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Civil-rights advocates tell commissioners they will pursue federal remedies over alleged constitutional violations; commissioners take remarks under advisement
Summary
Two civil-rights advocates told Belknap commissioners they are serving notices alleging constitutional violations related to prosecutions by information and to allegedly unlawful child removals, urged the board to report matters to the FBI, and said they have affidavits supporting their claims.
During the public-comment period, two civil-rights advocates addressed the board with allegations and a request that the county report certain practices to federal authorities.
The first commenter (the transcript records two differing names: initially 'Tanner Wood Young' and then 'Tanawa Downey') said U.S. constitutional guarantees require indictment by a grand jury for certain serious charges and argued that state practices allowing prosecution by information are unconstitutional. The commenter referenced federal law and urged the commissioners to report alleged constitutional breaches to the FBI, saying they had collected thousands of affidavits and were prepared to litigate if necessary. The chair responded that the remarks were duly noted.
Jessica Saxton, identified as a civil-rights advocate and litigator from Washington, D.C., spoke next and raised related concerns about the county's child-removal practices. She alleged that judges and law-enforcement practices may be incentivized by Title IV funding streams, argued that funding structures can create conflicts of interest, and said she had filed affidavits alleging criminal conspiracy related to unlawful removals. Saxton urged commissioners to review Title IV funding and to report alleged misconduct to the FBI.
Commissioners acknowledged both presenters and recorded their comments in the meeting record. The speakers offered to provide documentation and contact information; the board did not announce immediate investigatory steps during the meeting.
