The chief of the tribal nation was arrested after an alleged scuffle with the wife of a rival leader. State police said Richard Velky broke Karen Russell’s camera during a dispute on the tribe’s reservation in Kent Oct. 7. Russell’s husband is Alan Russell, chairman of the tribe. Russell and Velky have been in an ongoing dispute. Police said Karen Russell was taking photographs of Velky tearing padlocks and doors off a pavilion. Alan Russell said Velky roughed up his wife and broke the disposable camera, adding the tribe locked the pavilion as part of a project to turn a portion into an office or trading post. Velky was charged with disorderly conduct and third-degree criminal mischief and released on a promise to appear in Superior Court Oct. 16. Velky said he was deliberately provoked. Velky, 50, has been instrumental in the tribe’s efforts to gain federal recognition which would allow the tribe to negotiate with the state for a casino. Alan Russell said Velky and another person drove up to the Russell home shortly before the pavilion dispute. He said he heard a gunshot that appeared to come from Velky’s vehicle. “I ran to the phone to call police, and my wife grabbed the camera and ran through the woods to the pavilion.” Velky denies assaulting Karen Russell.
