Former Quapaw Nation Chairman John Berrey.
Former Quapaw Tribal Chairman John Berrey was barred from running from office by the Tribal Nation s Business Committee. The decision was made earlier this week after someone challenged his run for vice-chairman in the upcoming elections.
Berrey was the Quapaw Nation s chairman for 20 years until he lost last summer to newcomer Joseph Byrd. Then, a few months later, information from an audit alleged Berrey gave bonuses and pay raises totaling in the millions to himself and others without approval from the Business Committee.
Berrey, along with former secretary treasurer Tamara Smiley Reeves filed a defamation suit in Cleveland County District Court in February 2021 against Byrd and others on the Business Committee. The suit was dismissed, and Berrey is facing 11 criminal charges including embezzlement and conspiracy in Quapaw Nation tribal court. He could face disenrollment from the Tribal Nation if he is convicted.