North Dakota Tribal Leader Arrested for Probation Violation

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say a Three Affiliated Tribes councilman has been arrested on a probation violation.

Tribal prosecutor Don Bruce tells the Bismarck Tribune Councilman Barry Benson is in jail at the tribe's justice center in New Town, on the Fort Berthold reservation.

Tribal magistrate Evan Burr says Benson was arrested July 4 for failing to appear for drug and alcohol testing as mandated in his probation on an earlier offense.

Authorities say additional felony drug charges are pending.

The 51-year-old Benson represents the Twin Buttes segment of the reservation.

Diana Tomlin, the secretary of the Twin Buttes' Elder Organization, says Benson has not resigned from his tribal council position and conducts tribal business from jail.

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