Colville Tribes leader resigns after rape arrest

A high-ranking member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation resigned Tuesday following his arrest on a rape charge in North Idaho. Ernest “Sneena” Brooks III, vice-chairman of the Colville Business Council, the governing body of the tribes, represented the Omak district. He stepped down for personal reasons, the tribal chairman’s office said today. Brooks was arrested Friday at the Coeur d’Alene Casino by Coeur d’Alene Tribe police and booked into the Kootenai County Jail. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released that same day. Brooks was named vice chairman of the tribal council last July and also was selected to chair the Tribal Government Committee. The Colville Business Council will meet Friday to determine who will fill Brooks’ vacancy.