A Muscogee Nation National Council representative has been charged with four felony counts stemming from allegations that she interfered with the official duties of fellow council members.

Robyn Whitecloud, who represents Okmulke District Seat A, was formally charged Jan. 16 in Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court with four counts of preventing or attempting to prevent the performance of official acts. The charges were filed under Muscogee Nation Criminal Code Title 14, § 2-803, according to court records.

The case follows an investigation conducted by the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department.

— Allegations outlined in court documents According to a probable cause affidavit sworn by Lighthorse Police Investigator Anthony Thompson, Whitecloud is accused of removing official National Council correspondence without authorization on or about Jan. 2.

The affidavit states that sealed envelopes addressed to National Council representatives and representatives-elect were taken from an official outbox designated for council business. The documents were described as necessary for elected officials to review, consider and act upon matters related to their sworn duties.

The initial complaint was filed by Representative-elect Lucian Tiger III, who reported that his correspondence was missing. Additional complaints were later submitted by Representative-elect William Lowe and Council Representative Galen Cloud.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video as part of the inquiry, which they say corroborated witness statements and showed conduct consistent with the unauthorized removal of the correspondence.

— Letters returned after inauguration Court records indicate that following the National Council Inauguration on Jan. 3, Whitecloud returned 16 envelopes matching those previously reported missing. The envelopes were turned over to National Council Speaker Randall Hicks, who then transferred them to the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police.

While the correspondence involved multiple council members, the criminal charges specifically focus on alleged interference involving four representatives: Galen Cloud, Anna Marshall, Lucian Tiger III and William Lowe.

— The Charges

Whitecloud faces four felony counts, each alleging that she willfully interfered with, or attempted to interfere with, the performance of official acts by depriving council members of their official correspondence.

Under Muscogee Nation law, each count carries a potential penalty of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000.

Next steps in the case The court has entered a finding of probable cause. Whitecloud is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 26 after the court granted a request to accelerate the original hearing date.

Under the Muscogee Nation Constitution, a felony conviction would disqualify an individual from serving on the National Council.

The case remains pending. As with all criminal matters, Whitecloud is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.