Saginaw Chippewa Tribe: Altercation, Executive Privilege, and Disenrollment

Alcohol made him do it?  He wasn't in control of his actions?  He got physical with an elder who is a disabled vet.  What do you call a guy like that?

MR. CHAIRMAN

At least one Tribal member has mentioned a possible recall campaign and said a police report has been filed after a New Year’s Eve altercation between a Tribal elder facing disenrollment and the new Tribal chief.

Chief Frank Cloutier had been drinking that night when George Sprague, who is among members facing disenrollment and loss of benefits from the Tribe, called the new chief a “fag” at the Soaring Eagle Casino, multiple sources said.

Cloutier, along with Stephanie Peters, a former Tribal Court magistrate and former council member, allegedly followed Sprague, a disabled veteran, to another location in the casino where Cloutier grabbed him around the neck in a brief altercation.

After the confrontation, which occurred sometime after 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Cloutier is alleged to have been at the Water Lilly, a casino bar and restaurant, and demanded to be served alcohol after the 2 a.m. closing.

Multiple sources said Cloutier was told no, but again demanded to be served, saying that he is the Tribal chief and can do what he wants.

He was not served, sources have said.

One Tribal member has said on social media that a recall is being considered and that Tribal Police have been asked to look at surveillance video from the incidents.

Other sources confirmed that Tribal Police have surveillance footage of the confrontation, but did not know if an investigation was being conducted.


Tribal police do not talk to the media without approval of public relations staff.