WINDOW ROCK, AZ (AZFamily) -- A special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate allegations of misuse of money regarding Navajo Nation officials in connection with several housing organizations, including one that was supposed to build tiny homes to help with the housing crisis.
Earlier this month, the Navajo Nation announced that the Window Rock District Court Special Division had appointed Kyle Nayback to look into what's being called "possible unethical and illegal conduct" tied to the Navajo Nation Executive Branch's contracts with Indigenous Design Studio + Architects (IDSA), the reported subcontract with ZenniHome and Native Community Capital.
The appointment comes after a preliminary investigation found enough evidence to investigate further the Executive Branch's contracting activities related to housing projects and a housing assistance program funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Last month, ZenniHome closed its factory in LeChee, just outside of Page, and laid out more than 200 workers.
Last year, Arizona's Family got a tour of the factory, where officials said the company received a $74 million grant and $50 million will go toward building 250 homes for high-need Navajo Nation residents. The rest of the cash would go toward factory upgrades.
But Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said in July that the number of homes built was supposed to be 160 and then that number was cut in half. In a news release, he said ZenniHome only completed 18 of the homes.
On July 31, Nygren issued a statement that said, despite the rumors, there is no missing $24 million grant money and it's still in the Navajo Nation's account.
Still, the Navajo Nation Council wants to get to the bottom of what happened and Nayback, a seasoned federal and tribal law attorney, will investigate.
"I commend Chief Legislative Counsel Espino for acting swiftly and decisively on behalf of the Navajo people," said Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley. "It is vital that we protect the integrity of our government and ensure accountability in the use of public funds."