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TAHLEQUAH, OK - David E. Roberts, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) tribal member and 30-year law enforcement veteran, will be sworn on Monday, June 19, 2000 as Director of CNO's Marshal Service. The tribe's eight-member marshal service has been led by an acting director, since November, after tribal law enforcement responsibilities were returned by the BIA.

The BIA had assumed law enforcement duties in 1997 during a tribal dispute. A legal search warrant was served to Joe Byrd's office, then chief, by the CNO Marshal Service. Byrd responded by firing all of the marshals and hiring his own private police force.

At 53, David Roberts experience includes having served on the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office executive staff beginning in June 1998. Roberts assignment included supervising criminal investigations, drug and gang task force efforts and was responsible for command of the sheriff's special operations team.

Mr. David E. Roberts began his career, as a Tulsa police officer, in 1970. Additionally Roberts previously served as agent in charge of the Tulsa field office for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

"We are extremely pleased to have someone of David Roberts' character, credentials and experience to head the marshal service", Chief Chad Smith said adding, "We anticipate under his leadership the marshal service will again become a law enforcement agency that all Cherokees can be proud."