The case involving White Mountain Apache Tribal Chairman Kasey Velasquez has been referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office, as stated by a Bureau of Indian Affairs spokesperson, and according to a FOX10 Phoenix report, this development comes amid allegations of sexual assault against him. Officials have not provided additional details on the case's prosecution status, redirecting inquiries to the U.S. Attorney's office. Velasquez served as vice-chairman before he was elected chairman, and his tenure is subject to a re-election in 2026.
In July, allegations surfaced about an incident that reportedly occurred during office hours in June, involving Velasquez and the tribe's HR Director, Wendy Ruiz; Velasquez has since taken administrative leave, approved by the tribal council and continues to receive his salary while the investigation unfolds, Ruiz, in a statement obtained by FOX10 Phoenix, has shared a detailed account of what she alleges to be an assault by Velasquez, describing unwanted physical contact that escalated on the day of the incident.
"I gave him my updates, did my requests for my staff, and he did ask for another hug," Ruiz recounted, "I just...didn't agree with it, but reluctantly hugged him. That's when I was standing by the table. It was a conference table, and I was gathering my notebook and the policy book, and that was in the standing position. He tells me to wait, hold on, and stands right behind me, directly behind me and tells me the way. He puts his arm, his left arm around my neck, full. Fully around my neck where I could feel his elbow right under my chin. And then I know with his right hand, he was pressing really hard on the side of my neck to where I stiffened up. I started closing, I closed my eyes, and I started praying and like what is he trying to do? I told him that that hurts, and he didn't let go. Instead, he put his hand around my neck and squeezed even harder to where I could feel my head being pushed down like I was trying to be bent over. Body was up against my back,"
After this incident, Velasquez's legal representation stated, "At this time we have not been told of any conclusion to the investigation into the allegations made against Chairman Velasquez. As such, out of respect for the investigation moving forward, we cannot make any comment on the specific allegations made against the Chairman. He is continuing to cooperate fully and still remains confident that at the conclusion of this drawn out saga, he will be back in his rightful place, tending to tribal business in his Chairman capacity. He believes in the law and is unwilling to jeopardize the due process rights of everyone involved by litigating the facts in the media," according to a previous statement shared with FOX10 Phoenix. Ruiz has since expressed that the tribal council isn't communicating with her about her employment status, yet the community has rallied in her support since her allegations went public, saying "Enough is enough, and it stops with me."
Commenting on the broader legal implications, former U.S. Attorney for Arizona Mel McDonald told FOX10 Phoenix that "It's actually highly significant news," emphasizing that sexual abuse and assaults have serious ramifications particularly when tribal members are involved. Velasquez's new attorney Kathryn C. Furtado provided a statement, asserting his innocence against the allegations: "Chairman Velasquez has always maintained his innocence against Ms. Ruiz’s allegations, and he is confident that a full and fair investigative process will reveal his innocence. Chairman Velasquez is grateful for the support that he has and continues to receive from his fellow tribal members and family. For the last twenty years, Chairman Velasquez has tirelessly served the people of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. He looks forward to returning to lead the Apache People and to tackle, confront, and solve the many challenges that the Tribe faces," as reported by FOX10 Phoenix. Confirmation of the case's transfer to federal prosecutors was reiterated by Yahoo News, marking a pivotal step in a case that continues to draw the attention of the tribal community and observers alike.
