Blackfeet leader wants federal charges dismissed

BROWNING (AP) — A state senator and Blackfeet tribal council member says he plans to ask a judge to drop federal charges against him after he pleaded guilty in tribal court to similar charges of fleeing a sheriff's deputy on the reservation.

Sen. Shannon Augare (OH'-zhair) spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time since the May 26 traffic stop that led to drunken driving, reckless driving and obstruction charges being filed against him.

The Browning Democrat apologized for his behavior. He also defended his failed attempt to dismiss the federal charges as an intrusion into tribal sovereignty.

After U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong rejected Augare's argument that federal prosecutors lacked jurisdiction, the Blackfeet leader pleaded guilty to similar charges in tribal court.

Augare says he will again ask Strong to dismiss the federal charges.