More Trouble for Paquin

Paquin suspended
By SCOTT BRAND
Story created May 09, 2008 - 10:59:12 EDT.


SAULT STE. MARIE - Tribal Police Chief Fred Paquin has again been suspended from his duties under the shadow of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Criminal Investigative Unit, according to a Wednesday press release from Tribal Chairman Aaron Payment.

The press release indicated the decision to suspend was made independently by the Tribal CFO/ Assistant Executive Director for Internal Services - Victor Mattson Jr.“I am advised by the Tribal CFO that we are cooperating completely with federal officials,” said Payment in issuing the statement. “It is important to make clear that the Sault Tribe takes compliance with federal laws very seriously and will work to bring an efficient resolution to the current matter. It is also important for me to recognize that our Law Enforcement Division is well respected by the local community and that the actions of one individual certainly does not reflect our commitment to uphold the law. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, so please be patient and not jump to judge someone's innocence or guilt. That is up to the courts to decide.

”Bob Marchand has taken over Paquin's duties at the helm of the Sault Tribal Police Department.Paquin had been suspended last August after an assault complaint was filed. In February, Paquin entered into a plea bargain arrangement with the Michigan State Attorney General's Office which would have seen the dismissal of the misdemeanor charge if he met with a number of court-imposed conditions - including a provision prohibiting any criminal activity. With that matter seemingly behind him, Paquin was reinstated to the Tribal Police Chief position in March.

The final outcome of the federal investigation threatens to not only bring additional charges against Paquin, but could trigger the State Attorney General to re-issue the misdemeanor assault charge.The Federal Bureau of Investigations Office in Marquette was aware of an ongoing investigation on Wednesday, but an agent declined to provide any details in this matter.No arrests have been made to date related to the Federal inquiry.Paquin, who also serves on the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors, has kept his elected office since allegations first arose in August of 2007. He is currently up for re-election, facing four challengers in Unit III.