The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Ethics Commission convened an Appeals Ethics Commission pursuant to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Ethics Ordinance to consider the appeal of the April 20, 2026 Decision and Order concerning Sub-Chief Derrick King.
The Appeals Ethics Commission was comprised of members who were not involved in the consideration or determination of the original complaint. The purpose of the appeal was to provide an independent review of the original decision, the record developed during the proceedings, the evidence presented, and the issues raised on appeal.
After reviewing the record and considering the arguments and information submitted in connection with the appeal, the Appeals Ethics Commission determined that the original Ethics Commission acted within its authority and that its findings were supported by the evidence in the record, including Sub-Chief King’s admission that he disclosed confidential information to a community member.
The Appeals Ethics Commission affirms the original Ethics Commission’s determination that Sub-Chief Derrick King violated Section E.1 and E.2 of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Ethics Ordinance.
- Section E.1 provides that an elected official shall not disclose confidential material presented, considered, or discussed in executive or closed session without the approval of all parties involved, except where authorized under a tribal open records law.
- Section E.2 further provides that an elected official shall not use or disclose confidential information gained in the course of, or by reason of, their official position or activities to further their own economic or personal interest or that of anyone else.
The Appeals Ethics Commission also considered Sub-Chief King’s testimony that he believed the communications were private conversations and that the information discussed was, in his view, public knowledge. The Appeals Ethics Commission determined that the obligation imposed by the Ethics Ordinance concerns the nature and source of information obtained through an elected official’s position and the circumstances under which that information may be disclosed. A private communication does not, by itself, authorize the disclosure of confidential information.
The purpose of this Ordinance is to require Elected Officials to be accountable to the Tribal membership, to act with integrity and honesty, to maintain high standards of honesty, integrity, fairness and impartiality in their conduct and provide guidance for the conduct of Tribal business, to protect the interests of the Tribal membership, and to protect the reputation and integrity of the Tribal Government.
After its independent review, the Appeals Ethics Commission found no sufficient basis to overturn the original determination.
THEREFORE, THE APPEALS COMMISION HAS DETERMINED:
- AFFIRMS the finding that Sub-Chief Derrick King violated Section E.1 and Section E.2 of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Ethics Ordinance;
- AFFIRMS the order requiring that a Recall Election be conducted in accordance with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Ethics Ordinance, Election Ordinance, and Procedures Act, and that such Recall Election be held as soon as practicable, but no later than one hundred seventy (170) days from the date of this affirmation, reflecting the ten (10)-day appeal period provided under the Ethics Ordinance.
- AFFIRMS the suspension without pay pending the outcome of the Recall Election, as ordered by the original Ethics Commission.
Pursuant to the Saint Regis Mohawk Ethics Ordinance the appeals decision is final.