RST Treasurer misses court date
RST Treasurer misses court date
By Joseph Budd,
Native Sun News Today Staff Writer
Current RST Treasurer Stephen Denoyer III failed to appear in Oglala Sioux Tribal Court for possession and ingestion of Methamphetamine, according to a statement released by the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s office of the president Friday. The consumption in question, occurred when Denoyer checked into the Prairie Winds Hotel on Pine Ridge on Sept 22, 2019 then stayed overnight. The next day, his hotel room reportedly tested positive for meth use, and “substances located in the room tested positive for methamphetamine” the news release said. Also to note the Oglala Sioux Tribe, intends to seek restitution for damages done to the room, over $37000 dollars’ worth done to the hotel room by Denoyer. The Prairie Winds Casino and Hotel is owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
The Oglala Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement arrested Denoyer and charged him with both possession and ingestion of Methamphetamine after the incident. Once released however, Denoyer did not appear in court, according to the statement.
Fast forward to October 2021, Denoyer was picked up again by the OST, after a bench warrant was issued. He proceeded to miss his March 2nd court date, but another court date was set for May 19th. As that statement concluded, “The Oglala Sioux Tribe will not tolerate methamphetamine use on its reservation. Mr. Denoyer is innocent of the charges until proven guilty by court of law.”
Efforts to reach Denoyer from various parties has proven to be unsuccessful, while an employee for the office, states Denoyer is still working in the treasurer’s office. The employee also did also allege, that some of the information put out by Pine Ridge officials is untrue but declined to elaborate further.
As recently as April 14th, Denoyer was giving the official treasurer report. The position of Treasurer, is one of 24 elected tribal council positions, consisting of 20 council members and 4 officials on the RST Council. Denoyer is currently serving his second two year term, originally elected back in 2019. He was sworn in, on September 3rd, 2019, less than 3 weeks before the alleged hotel incident.
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April 28, 2022