This case will set a precedence across Oceti Sakowin on Tribal Councils ability to prosecute dissent in federal court to avoid transparency. Joe is being unjustly prosecuted for speaking up about long-term corruption happening within the Cheyenne River Sioux/Lakota Tribe. These charges are being pursued in federal court before ever being mediated in Tribal Court. Many elders and tribal members across Oceti Sakowin nation/reservations and beyond have been advocating for these charges against Lafferty to be dropped.
By Grassroots Lakota Oyate, Censored News, Jan. 12, 2026
Joe Lafferty is a Traditional Lakota elder who has advocated for the people and Indigenous Rights for many decades, including at the United Nations Worlds General Assembly in 1977. He is a Culture bearer, a whistle carrier, a traditional Lakota 'whipman' and a OG Grassdancer. Joe was a co-founder of the Black Hills Powwow started in 1986 and has been attending every year since. Uplifting and educating the youth on traditional values & culture.
Joe Lafferty has been attending Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal monthly council sessions for many years pleading with them to stop neglecting tribal members and depriving them of their basic survival needs. Many elders have voiced to Council their homes are in unlivable conditions citing leaks and basement sewer problems for months with no help.
This land corruption has been well documented over the years and similar corrupt operations have been reported from other Oceti Sakowin tribes.
These charges (2 counts of "threatening a federal official") stem from alleged comments made during an Indian Health Service health appointment in July 2025, in which Joe sought counseling to help with trauma induced anxiety he was experiencing related to this corruption, official oppression and lack of action by Tribal Council and CRST Chairman Ryman LeBeau.
This land corruption has been well documented over the years and similar corrupt operations have been reported from other Oceti Sakowin tribes.
These charges (2 counts of "threatening a federal official") stem from alleged comments made during an Indian Health Service health appointment in July 2025, in which Joe sought counseling to help with trauma induced anxiety he was experiencing related to this corruption, official oppression and lack of action by Tribal Council and CRST Chairman Ryman LeBeau.
Joe was initially arrested for these charges on August 15, 2025 outside the IHS building in Eagle Butte after picking up medication while on the way to a ceremony for his granddaughter who passed away. A tribal court hearing was held the next morning Aug 16, his family paid his $500 bond and was told to wait outside the tribal jail for Joe to be released. During this time Joe was surrounded by 8 officers inside the jail, snuck out the backdoor, and driven to the federal building in Pierre by a tribal employee -- without notifying the family and not following proper transfer procedures. This seems to violate the Major Crimes Act which reserves federal charges only for serious crimes (such as murder, kidnap, sexual assault, etc).
Joe Lafferty was released on federal bond on Aug 21, 2025 with stipulations to not return to his reservation until the case was resolved. Forced to abandon his home for almost 6 months now.
Two BIA officials employed by the tribe are pursuing these charges against Joe alleging he threatened them indirectly through 3rd party statements made during a health appointment. (Jeri Keckler-Vines and Justin Keckler)
These individuals are members of the Keckler family, named by Joe for their involvement in what Joe describes as a "Large-scale Land theft and racketeering operation". (More details below)
Some Supporting Documents:
> On January 8, 2014 CRST passed an enrollment audit, on January 14, 2014 then Chairman Kevin Keckler suddenly declared the CRST BIA Agency building was contaminated with "black-mold" he requested the building be abandoned and also claimed enrollment and land documents stored in a sealed vault were also contaminated with black mold, and documents were reportedly destroyed without attempts of preservation or notifying tribal members. The timing of this sudden black mold is very suspicious. The building remains abandoned today. Court documents filed in August 2024 describe these details when Council filed a lawsuit requesting BIA pay the costs for a new building 10 years later. (Jeri Keckler-Vines is also cited in this court case)
Source: Native American Rights Fund https://share.google/QZiT6tZgT4veRADDE
> Kevin Keckler son.. Arlyn Keckler convicted of large scale methdistribution in 2020: Source: Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/eagle-butte-man-sentenced-meth-trafficking-0
> District Court case filed August 24, 2020 by MANNY IRON HAWK, RENEE IRON HAWK, SULLIVAN WHITE WOLF, and MICHELLE WHITE WOLF against CRST BIA/DOI for wrongful aggressive round up and theft of their horses in August 2016. Documents show the BIA premeditatedly hired independent contractors to conduct the round up so they could not be held liable in court for damages. Jeri (Keckler)Vines is cited in the court case as lead role in CRST BIA land management. Many tribal members have experienced the same abuse for land grab/theft.
Source: Native American Rights Fund: https://www.narf.org/nill//bulletins/federal/documents/ironhawk_v_us.html
> Statement by CRST tribal member Lanny LaPlante jr on his family's experience with corruption, loss of land and horses, "The price of speaking up": https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DjGqdrA7K/
> Past Buffalo and land scandals referenced by Lanny LaPlante jr 2012: https://indianz.com/News/2012/004121.asp &
https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/district-5-constituents-ask-tough-questions-at-meeting/
> CRST current Attorney General Kimberly Craven (non-tribal member) hired August 2023 was previously fired by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe for ethical violations 2 months after she was hired, Craven filed lawsuit in 2018 against the Tribe for alleged "wrongful termination" dismissed: https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/wyoming/article_00f86b01-9600-5f10-b347-588e620892fb.html
Kimberly Craven also filed a $500k lawsuit against Oglala Sioux Tribe for alleged "wrongful termination" in 2018: https://apnews.com/general-news-5e51456d693a494aace15ffe28053b50
Video of Kimberly Craven appearing to assault a CRST tribal employee 2 month after she was hired: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AruR1iszy/
> CRST Treaty Council files complaint against Tribal Council and Chairman Ryman LeBeau Sept 2024: https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/treaty-council-calls-out-crst-tribal-council-in-letter-calls-for-accountability-under-bad-man-clause/
Videos to Reference:
> Video of CRST Land Committee meeting where a rancher Joe Rose demonstrated aggressive threatening behavior and assaulted a woman. BIA Jeri Keckler-Vines present in video failed to report incident in her official capacity. A Police report filed by the victim, but CRST contracted Prosecutor Susan Keckler (lives in Trophy city, Texas) refused to file any charges. Violence and threats are a common occurrence when reporting complaints against ranchers leasing tribal land. Ryman LeBeau also present in meeting failed to report the incident: Video of Rancher Joe Rose Assault June 6, 2022: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AFBGAXs4o/
A beautiful video of Joe Lafferty he was asked to lead the grand entry of the Black Hills pow wow with granddaughter last year 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WhUdrkwFR/
Video of Joe Lafferty presenting canunpa to CRST Tribal Council and explaining traditional cultural roles in response to a Council Rep pouring hot coffee on another council rep May 2019: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BeY9CCYg3/
Associated Article: https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/canupa-given-to-crst-tribal-council/
Video of Joe Lafferty explaining his federal charges Nov 2025:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/183mFwpFLH/
Video of Joe Lafferty talking about corruption July 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GAbMi1JLa/
Video of Joe Lafferty filing a complaint on Council reps for walking out of session and not listening to the people March 2025. Council sessions are supposed to be held for 3 days at the beginning of each month, there are 15 Representatives and they are paid $6,000+ a month to serve the people: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17m96FrBrz/
Video of Joe crying "I just want to be an Indian and live on our land" when released on bond from tribal jail Feb 6 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DbSsQmPzE/
Video of Vivian HighElk speaking when Joe Lafferty was released from federal prison on bond Aug 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ZktU971Mu/
Video Community meeting after Joe Lafferty was assaulted in Council statements from Joe Lafferty, daughter Holy Elk Lafferty, Ivan LookingHorse Feb 2025:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/174wKm1jxT/
Video of CRST Treaty Council Elders: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AVdk4ihuV/
Video of Council Rep John Kessler making an illegal motion in Election Board meeting to disqualify candidate (common occurrence to control tribal elections): https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17znaDS55Q/ John Kessler has been absent from all council sessions since Oct 7 2025 when he left before a drug tested was conducted on all Council reps. Missing a total of 11 council sessions in last 4 months. John Kessler is listed as a character witness for prosecution on Joe Laffertys upcoming Jury Trial.
Joe Lafferty was released on federal bond on Aug 21, 2025 with stipulations to not return to his reservation until the case was resolved. Forced to abandon his home for almost 6 months now.
Two BIA officials employed by the tribe are pursuing these charges against Joe alleging he threatened them indirectly through 3rd party statements made during a health appointment. (Jeri Keckler-Vines and Justin Keckler)
These individuals are members of the Keckler family, named by Joe for their involvement in what Joe describes as a "Large-scale Land theft and racketeering operation". (More details below)
Some Supporting Documents:
> On January 8, 2014 CRST passed an enrollment audit, on January 14, 2014 then Chairman Kevin Keckler suddenly declared the CRST BIA Agency building was contaminated with "black-mold" he requested the building be abandoned and also claimed enrollment and land documents stored in a sealed vault were also contaminated with black mold, and documents were reportedly destroyed without attempts of preservation or notifying tribal members. The timing of this sudden black mold is very suspicious. The building remains abandoned today. Court documents filed in August 2024 describe these details when Council filed a lawsuit requesting BIA pay the costs for a new building 10 years later. (Jeri Keckler-Vines is also cited in this court case)
Source: Native American Rights Fund https://share.google/QZiT6tZgT4veRADDE
> Kevin Keckler son.. Arlyn Keckler convicted of large scale methdistribution in 2020: Source: Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/eagle-butte-man-sentenced-meth-trafficking-0
> District Court case filed August 24, 2020 by MANNY IRON HAWK, RENEE IRON HAWK, SULLIVAN WHITE WOLF, and MICHELLE WHITE WOLF against CRST BIA/DOI for wrongful aggressive round up and theft of their horses in August 2016. Documents show the BIA premeditatedly hired independent contractors to conduct the round up so they could not be held liable in court for damages. Jeri (Keckler)Vines is cited in the court case as lead role in CRST BIA land management. Many tribal members have experienced the same abuse for land grab/theft.
Source: Native American Rights Fund: https://www.narf.org/nill//bulletins/federal/documents/ironhawk_v_us.html
> Statement by CRST tribal member Lanny LaPlante jr on his family's experience with corruption, loss of land and horses, "The price of speaking up": https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DjGqdrA7K/
> Past Buffalo and land scandals referenced by Lanny LaPlante jr 2012: https://indianz.com/News/2012/004121.asp &
https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/district-5-constituents-ask-tough-questions-at-meeting/
> CRST current Attorney General Kimberly Craven (non-tribal member) hired August 2023 was previously fired by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe for ethical violations 2 months after she was hired, Craven filed lawsuit in 2018 against the Tribe for alleged "wrongful termination" dismissed: https://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/news/wyoming/article_00f86b01-9600-5f10-b347-588e620892fb.html
Kimberly Craven also filed a $500k lawsuit against Oglala Sioux Tribe for alleged "wrongful termination" in 2018: https://apnews.com/general-news-5e51456d693a494aace15ffe28053b50
Video of Kimberly Craven appearing to assault a CRST tribal employee 2 month after she was hired: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AruR1iszy/
> CRST Treaty Council files complaint against Tribal Council and Chairman Ryman LeBeau Sept 2024: https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/treaty-council-calls-out-crst-tribal-council-in-letter-calls-for-accountability-under-bad-man-clause/
Videos to Reference:
> Video of CRST Land Committee meeting where a rancher Joe Rose demonstrated aggressive threatening behavior and assaulted a woman. BIA Jeri Keckler-Vines present in video failed to report incident in her official capacity. A Police report filed by the victim, but CRST contracted Prosecutor Susan Keckler (lives in Trophy city, Texas) refused to file any charges. Violence and threats are a common occurrence when reporting complaints against ranchers leasing tribal land. Ryman LeBeau also present in meeting failed to report the incident: Video of Rancher Joe Rose Assault June 6, 2022: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AFBGAXs4o/
A beautiful video of Joe Lafferty he was asked to lead the grand entry of the Black Hills pow wow with granddaughter last year 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WhUdrkwFR/
Video of Joe Lafferty presenting canunpa to CRST Tribal Council and explaining traditional cultural roles in response to a Council Rep pouring hot coffee on another council rep May 2019: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BeY9CCYg3/
Associated Article: https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/canupa-given-to-crst-tribal-council/
Video of Joe Lafferty explaining his federal charges Nov 2025:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/183mFwpFLH/
Video of Joe Lafferty talking about corruption July 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GAbMi1JLa/
Video of Joe Lafferty filing a complaint on Council reps for walking out of session and not listening to the people March 2025. Council sessions are supposed to be held for 3 days at the beginning of each month, there are 15 Representatives and they are paid $6,000+ a month to serve the people: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17m96FrBrz/
Video of Joe crying "I just want to be an Indian and live on our land" when released on bond from tribal jail Feb 6 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DbSsQmPzE/
Video of Vivian HighElk speaking when Joe Lafferty was released from federal prison on bond Aug 2025: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ZktU971Mu/
Video Community meeting after Joe Lafferty was assaulted in Council statements from Joe Lafferty, daughter Holy Elk Lafferty, Ivan LookingHorse Feb 2025:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/174wKm1jxT/
Video of CRST Treaty Council Elders: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AVdk4ihuV/
Video of Council Rep John Kessler making an illegal motion in Election Board meeting to disqualify candidate (common occurrence to control tribal elections): https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17znaDS55Q/ John Kessler has been absent from all council sessions since Oct 7 2025 when he left before a drug tested was conducted on all Council reps. Missing a total of 11 council sessions in last 4 months. John Kessler is listed as a character witness for prosecution on Joe Laffertys upcoming Jury Trial.
Election fraud complaints filed on Council Rep Derek Bartlett 2024: https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/election-board-dismisses-election-fraud-complaint-against-rep-bartlett/
Council Rep Derek Bartlett was arrested on Sept 14, 2025 for assaulting his girlfriend in public, allegedly charged with Domestic violence, Resisting Arrest and Stalking, when he was released the next morning he went straight to Attorney Gen Kimberly Craven who reportedly dismissed all charges without a court arraignment. Stark difference in handling compared to Joe Lafferty. Derek Bartlett is also listed as a character witness for prosecution on Joe Lafferty upcoming Jury Trial.
Keckler Family:
-Kevin Kecker current CRST Treasurer (former Chairman & Dist Council Rep) (24 years in council)
-Wife Marla Keckler manages CRST Housing Authority
-Brother Justin Keckler: CEO of CRST IHS hospital
-Brother Kenton Keckler: Contracted CRST CPA / CFO
-Kentons wife Susan Keckler: contracted CRST Lead Prosecutor (lives in Trophy City, Texas)
-Cousin Jeri Keckler-Vines: Current CRST Acting BIA Superintendent former Rangeland Management Specialist, Natural Resources Officer (24 years)
*Report (attch) show the Keckler family leases a total of around 30,000 acres of tribal land. Far greater than the 160 acres listed in Land Allotment in CRST Constitution.
------------------------------------
Calling all Allies & Advocates of NATIVE RIGHTS > Lakota elder needs your Support. Joseph Lafferty is being targeted & silenced for exposing corruption involving some CRST public officials, elected "leaders" and non-natives who are profiting off the people without restriction. Or what Joe Lafferty describes as a "Large-scale Land theft and racketeering operation".
There will be a 3-day Jury Trial on
January 21, 22 & 23, 2026 @10AM CST all 3 days days.
At the Federal Building in Pierre, SD. (225 S. Pierre st.)
Please join us in-Person or in Prayer on all 3 days.
Day one: prosecution's evidence & witness testimony. Day two will be for the Defense.
Like & SHARE to help spread the word.
We are witnessing an extreme injustice happening to Joe Lafferty, a knowledgeable & respected Traditional Lakota tribal elder. After Joe spoke publicly of Kevin KecKler's involvement, (current Treasurer of Cheyenne River Lakota/Sioux Tribe) two of Kevin's close relatives who are employed by the tribe, filed federal charges against Joe Lafferty claiming he threatened them.
These two individuals are:
> Jeri Keckler-Vines: current "Acting BIA Superintendent" has worked for BIA for 24 years participating and overseeing all land operations on the reservation as "Rangeland Management Specialist" and "Natural Resource Officer".
> Justin Keckler: is the current CEO of the IHS hospital. (Indian Health Services).
Joe Lafferty says these allegations were made against him after he publicly spoke about the corrupt land operations and misuse of tribal funds by the Kevin Keckler family and others. Reports allege Joe Lafferty made statements during a Health appointment at IHS where Joe sought therapy/counseling regarding a personal trauma induced anxiety he was experiencing related to corruption, intimidation and lack or action by public officials.
Joe Lafferty is not alone in being falsely and harshly criminalized and prosecuted for uncovering this long term corruption. Many others have experienced injustice, threats, assault and retaliation for speaking up. Joe himself has been assaulted by public officials on two separate incidents, he filed police reports but was never scheduled a court date, leaving him feeling vulnerable, traumatized and unheard. This may be due to selective prosecution by Kevin's sister in law; Susan Keckler, the Lead Prosecutor for the tribe who lives all the way in Texas.
Joe Lafferty has been witnessing this injustice and corruption for years. Reports have been filed to authorities but no action has ever been taken. The current extreme poverty conditions on the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation can be seen as evidence to support these land corruption claims. Much of the tribes land is leased to select families, elected officials and non-natives for extremely low rates who profit millions off the land resources, while the majority of true Lakota descendants struggle to survive in extreme poverty conditions.
Kevin Keckler has worked in Tribal Council positions for about 24 years since 2002. In 2010-2014 he was the Chairman. Under his "leadership" tribal members advocated for a Enrollment Audit, which was passed in Council on January 8, 2014, 6 days later on January 14, 2014 Kevin Keckler declared the BIA Building was contaminated with "black-mold" and requested the building be abandoned. Tribal enrollment and land documents were stored in a sealed vault in the basement of the BIA building, also claimed to be contaminated with "black-mold" and many documents were destroyed without notifying Tribal Members. The timing of this "black-mold" outbreak is deeply concerning as many Lakota descendants question a time when blood quantum amounts were altered, the opening of enrollment by Attorney Mark Van Norman and individuals falsely enrolling themselves to take advantage of tribal benefits.
The unequal distribution of tribal funds and resources is also alarming as Government policies describe a beneficiary as 1/2 blood or more. But land and resource preference is often given to individuals with minimal or no lineage quantum.
1. CRF Part 81- Indians are defined as people of 1/2 or more Indian Blood
2. 25 U.S.C. 479 Land Probate Law shall further include all persons of 1/2 or more Indian blood.
3. Howard Wheeler Act aka Indian Reorganization Act- Section 19, defines an Indian of 1/2 blood or more
This land corruption was being investigated by a former BIA Superintendent hired in 2022 who became aware of Jeri Keckler-Vines involvement and attempted to transfer her out. Immediately after, a newly elected Dist 4 Council Rep; Thad Rose, requested the Superintendent be transferred out of the CRST Agency and Jeri Keckler-Vines took over the role as "Acting BIA Superintendent" without ever consulting Tribal Members, who sit at the top of the Tribal Organizational Chart.
Added Notes: Kevin Keckler's brother Kenton Keckler is the current contracted CPA (Certified Public Accountant) for the tribe raising more concerns of conflict of interest. Reports show Kevin's son Arlyn Keckler was previously convicted of managing a large scale Meth operation distributing at least 200 grams of methamphetamine between 2015 - 2019, he was only sentenced to 48 months.
The tribes current Attorney General; Kimberly Craven (non-tribalmember) is pursuing these federal charges against Joe Lafferty. Kimberly Craven has a long history of unethical behavior working for other tribes and organizations. Oglala Sioux Tribe and Eastern Shoshone Tribe fired Kim Craven in the past and she filed lawsuits to sue the tribes for firing her. Many CRST Tribal Members have requested Kimberly Craven be terminated, but the current Chairman Ryman LeBeau has continuously ruled this "out-of-order" not allowing any discussion on the matter on Council floor. Leaving many elders and tribal members feeling unheard, distraught & unsafe wondering if they will be prosecuted next.
Joe Lafferty was prohibited from returning to the reservation since these federal charges were filed in August 2025, forced to abandon his family members, friends, his home and his horses. Which has cause an immense hardship for him. Joe is an elder with a heart condition and the stress of this weaponized prosecution has been harmful to his health and wellbeing. Joe never assaulted or harmed anyone, yet he is being harshly prosecuted on a federal level before ever being mediated in Tribal Court. Not following due tribal procedures and seeming to violate the Marjor Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. 1153).
Joe Lafferty often Advocates that Lakota people are to look out for each other equally. It doesn't make sense that some make millions while most of the tribe suffers in extreme 3rd world poverty conditions. For hundreds of years our people have been brutalized for our resources. We are trying to protect the last little bit of land we have left and we need help. Those that speak up are targeted and silenced. The government agencies remain silent and the courts have been compromised.
Please support our efforts to continue to exist on Unci Maka, Mother Earth.
Please PRAY for our Lakota Tribe and pray for Joseph Lafferty strength and protection and for these charges to be dropped.
The injustices must end. Our People will Survive and Thrive. The Future Generations are counting on us to speak up.
Please keep FOLLOWING this story.
Wopila Tanka for your Support & Prayers.
Mitakuye Oyasin we are all related.
#freeJoeLafferty #droptheCharges
#LakotaStrong #weAreStillHere #PteOyate #OcetiSakowin
"Let's create a better Future for our Children" -Joe Lafferty
If you would like to address your concerns to the public officials involved contact:
CRST Chairman Ryman LeBeau: 605-964-4155
CRST Attorney General Kimberly Craven: 605-964-6686
CRST Police Chief Charles Redcow: 605-964-9403 or 4567
CRSTCriminalCourt: 605-964-2996
↪Truth Justice Unity Love ↩
Joe Lafferty trial flyer info on facebook 2 options:
Tribal member Personal page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16cvUgqhkh/
2kcMedia page link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ap9ph4Sd7/
Tatanka Oyate Press: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AUbt5wUPd/
Council Rep Derek Bartlett was arrested on Sept 14, 2025 for assaulting his girlfriend in public, allegedly charged with Domestic violence, Resisting Arrest and Stalking, when he was released the next morning he went straight to Attorney Gen Kimberly Craven who reportedly dismissed all charges without a court arraignment. Stark difference in handling compared to Joe Lafferty. Derek Bartlett is also listed as a character witness for prosecution on Joe Lafferty upcoming Jury Trial.
Keckler Family:
-Kevin Kecker current CRST Treasurer (former Chairman & Dist Council Rep) (24 years in council)
-Wife Marla Keckler manages CRST Housing Authority
-Brother Justin Keckler: CEO of CRST IHS hospital
-Brother Kenton Keckler: Contracted CRST CPA / CFO
-Kentons wife Susan Keckler: contracted CRST Lead Prosecutor (lives in Trophy City, Texas)
-Cousin Jeri Keckler-Vines: Current CRST Acting BIA Superintendent former Rangeland Management Specialist, Natural Resources Officer (24 years)
*Report (attch) show the Keckler family leases a total of around 30,000 acres of tribal land. Far greater than the 160 acres listed in Land Allotment in CRST Constitution.
------------------------------------
Calling all Allies & Advocates of NATIVE RIGHTS > Lakota elder needs your Support. Joseph Lafferty is being targeted & silenced for exposing corruption involving some CRST public officials, elected "leaders" and non-natives who are profiting off the people without restriction. Or what Joe Lafferty describes as a "Large-scale Land theft and racketeering operation".There will be a 3-day Jury Trial onJanuary 21, 22 & 23, 2026 @10AM CST all 3 days days.
At the Federal Building in Pierre, SD. (225 S. Pierre st.) Please join us in-Person or in Prayer on all 3 days. Day one: prosecution's evidence & witness testimony. Day two will be for the Defense.
Like & SHARE to help spread the word.We are witnessing an extreme injustice happening to Joe Lafferty, a knowledgeable & respected Traditional Lakota tribal elder. After Joe spoke publicly of Kevin KecKler's involvement, (current Treasurer of Cheyenne River Lakota/Sioux Tribe) two of Kevin's close relatives who are employed by the tribe, filed federal charges against Joe Lafferty claiming he threatened them.
These two individuals are:
> Jeri Keckler-Vines: current "Acting BIA Superintendent" has worked for BIA for 24 years participating and overseeing all land operations on the reservation as "Rangeland Management Specialist" and "Natural Resource Officer".
> Justin Keckler: is the current CEO of the IHS hospital. (Indian Health Services).
Joe Lafferty says these allegations were made against him after he publicly spoke about the corrupt land operations and misuse of tribal funds by the Kevin Keckler family and others. Reports allege Joe Lafferty made statements during a Health appointment at IHS where Joe sought therapy/counseling regarding a personal trauma induced anxiety he was experiencing related to corruption, intimidation and lack or action by public officials.
Joe Lafferty is not alone in being falsely and harshly criminalized and prosecuted for uncovering this long term corruption. Many others have experienced injustice, threats, assault and retaliation for speaking up. Joe himself has been assaulted by public officials on two separate incidents, he filed police reports but was never scheduled a court date, leaving him feeling vulnerable, traumatized and unheard. This may be due to selective prosecution by Kevin's sister in law; Susan Keckler, the Lead Prosecutor for the tribe who lives all the way in Texas.
Joe Lafferty has been witnessing this injustice and corruption for years. Reports have been filed to authorities but no action has ever been taken. The current extreme poverty conditions on the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation can be seen as evidence to support these land corruption claims. Much of the tribes land is leased to select families, elected officials and non-natives for extremely low rates who profit millions off the land resources, while the majority of true Lakota descendants struggle to survive in extreme poverty conditions.
Kevin Keckler has worked in Tribal Council positions for about 24 years since 2002. In 2010-2014 he was the Chairman. Under his "leadership" tribal members advocated for a Enrollment Audit, which was passed in Council on January 8, 2014, 6 days later on January 14, 2014 Kevin Keckler declared the BIA Building was contaminated with "black-mold" and requested the building be abandoned. Tribal enrollment and land documents were stored in a sealed vault in the basement of the BIA building, also claimed to be contaminated with "black-mold" and many documents were destroyed without notifying Tribal Members. The timing of this "black-mold" outbreak is deeply concerning as many Lakota descendants question a time when blood quantum amounts were altered, the opening of enrollment by Attorney Mark Van Norman and individuals falsely enrolling themselves to take advantage of tribal benefits.
The unequal distribution of tribal funds and resources is also alarming as Government policies describe a beneficiary as 1/2 blood or more. But land and resource preference is often given to individuals with minimal or no lineage quantum.
1. CRF Part 81- Indians are defined as people of 1/2 or more Indian Blood
2. 25 U.S.C. 479 Land Probate Law shall further include all persons of 1/2 or more Indian blood.
3. Howard Wheeler Act aka Indian Reorganization Act- Section 19, defines an Indian of 1/2 blood or more
This land corruption was being investigated by a former BIA Superintendent hired in 2022 who became aware of Jeri Keckler-Vines involvement and attempted to transfer her out. Immediately after, a newly elected Dist 4 Council Rep; Thad Rose, requested the Superintendent be transferred out of the CRST Agency and Jeri Keckler-Vines took over the role as "Acting BIA Superintendent" without ever consulting Tribal Members, who sit at the top of the Tribal Organizational Chart.
Added Notes: Kevin Keckler's brother Kenton Keckler is the current contracted CPA (Certified Public Accountant) for the tribe raising more concerns of conflict of interest. Reports show Kevin's son Arlyn Keckler was previously convicted of managing a large scale Meth operation distributing at least 200 grams of methamphetamine between 2015 - 2019, he was only sentenced to 48 months.
The tribes current Attorney General; Kimberly Craven (non-tribalmember) is pursuing these federal charges against Joe Lafferty. Kimberly Craven has a long history of unethical behavior working for other tribes and organizations. Oglala Sioux Tribe and Eastern Shoshone Tribe fired Kim Craven in the past and she filed lawsuits to sue the tribes for firing her. Many CRST Tribal Members have requested Kimberly Craven be terminated, but the current Chairman Ryman LeBeau has continuously ruled this "out-of-order" not allowing any discussion on the matter on Council floor. Leaving many elders and tribal members feeling unheard, distraught & unsafe wondering if they will be prosecuted next.
Joe Lafferty was prohibited from returning to the reservation since these federal charges were filed in August 2025, forced to abandon his family members, friends, his home and his horses. Which has cause an immense hardship for him. Joe is an elder with a heart condition and the stress of this weaponized prosecution has been harmful to his health and wellbeing. Joe never assaulted or harmed anyone, yet he is being harshly prosecuted on a federal level before ever being mediated in Tribal Court. Not following due tribal procedures and seeming to violate the Marjor Crimes Act (18 U.S.C. 1153).
Joe Lafferty often Advocates that Lakota people are to look out for each other equally. It doesn't make sense that some make millions while most of the tribe suffers in extreme 3rd world poverty conditions. For hundreds of years our people have been brutalized for our resources. We are trying to protect the last little bit of land we have left and we need help. Those that speak up are targeted and silenced. The government agencies remain silent and the courts have been compromised.
Please support our efforts to continue to exist on Unci Maka, Mother Earth.
Please PRAY for our Lakota Tribe and pray for Joseph Lafferty strength and protection and for these charges to be dropped.
The injustices must end. Our People will Survive and Thrive. The Future Generations are counting on us to speak up.
Please keep FOLLOWING this story.
Wopila Tanka for your Support & Prayers.
Mitakuye Oyasin we are all related.
#freeJoeLafferty #droptheCharges
#LakotaStrong #weAreStillHere #PteOyate #OcetiSakowin
"Let's create a better Future for our Children" -Joe Lafferty
If you would like to address your concerns to the public officials involved contact:
CRST Chairman Ryman LeBeau: 605-964-4155
CRST Attorney General Kimberly Craven: 605-964-6686
CRST Police Chief Charles Redcow: 605-964-9403 or 4567
CRSTCriminalCourt: 605-964-2996
↪Truth Justice Unity Love ↩
Joe Lafferty trial flyer info on facebook 2 options:
Tribal member Personal page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16cvUgqhkh/
2kcMedia page link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ap9ph4Sd7/
Tatanka Oyate Press: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AUbt5wUPd/
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