Opinion ID: 216969
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Genschow And The Property

Text: In August 2007, Genschow arranged for the logging and clearing of the Property. In late September 2007, a KBIC Officer visited the Property and discovered that approximately five acres had been cleared and stripped of all topsoil. Stakes marked out a building site on the cleared ground. During a return trip to the site, the KBIC Officer encountered Genschow, who explained that he planned to construct a building to house an Ontonagon Band tribal office and personal living quarters for himself. Thereafter, KBIC's President wrote to the BIA and reported the unauthorized clearing of the Property. In October 2007, a BIA criminal investigator interviewed Genschow. At that time, Genschow admitted to clearing the land, but asserted that he did so in his capacity as Chief Lonewolf. During the interview, Genschow contended that he possessed a letter from a KBIC tribal chairman, confirming that the Ontonagon Band was an entity separate from the KBIC, but refused to share the letter with the BIA investigator. Genschow also admitted that he had not sought permission from the KBIC to clear the Property or construct a structure.