the staff of the Ridgewood blog
MAHWAH, NJ — A long-running leadership dispute within the Ramapough Lenape Nation escalated Tuesday when Chief Dwaine Perry was arrested on a trespassing charge at the Ramapough Community Center, Mahwah police confirmed.
⚖️ Why Was Chief Perry Arrested?
According to Ramsey-based attorney Lydia Cotz, Chief Perry went to the Ramapough Community Center to restore photos of himself that had been removed after a controversial vote earlier this year that stripped him of his title.
Mahwah Police responded to the scene, and Perry was taken into custody, charged with one count of trespassing, and later released.
“We believe this was a wrongful arrest on the part of the Mahwah Police Department. Chief Perry will be vindicated from this unfortunate situation,” Cotz said.
🏹 Background on the Leadership Dispute
In the spring, members of the Ramapough Lenape Tribal Council voted to remove Perry as chief, accusing him of fiscal improprieties. A June 1 press release from the council stated that after a disciplinary hearing, they unanimously decided to permanently ban Perry from holding any current or future tribal office.
Perry, however, has denied any wrongdoing and claims the move was a “coup” fueled by internal power struggles.
This isn’t the first time Perry has faced a similar challenge. In 2004, he was removed from his position but later regained his title through legal action, Cotz noted.
🚔 Police & Court Response
Mahwah Police Captain Michael Blondin clarified the situation:
“Mr. Perry was charged with trespassing based on the investigation by responding officers. He is innocent until proven guilty and will have his moment in court.”
Perry’s court date is scheduled for August 5.
Cotz argued that the matter should have been treated as a civil dispute, not a criminal one:
“Who are the police to take a side in an internal tribal matter? He should have never been arrested.”
🔍 What Happens Next?
-
Chief Perry plans to fight the trespassing charge in court.
-
His supporters hope he will regain his title as tribal chief, just as he did after the 2004 dispute.
-
The Ramapough Lenape Nation remains divided, with ongoing legal and leadership battles likely ahead.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
Shaking my head.
What needs to be looked into is the murder of Muriyd “Two Clouds” Williams, enrolled Ramapough tribal member who was found dead July 6, 2022. Not only did Mahwah PD lie on the operations report and decided to do no investigation before even leaving the scene (according to 911 transcripts), but the next day Perry sent a fraudulent letter to the Bergen County Medical Examiner offering several possibilities why Two Clouds may have been dead. The M.E. used that letter to falsely give a cause of death that contradicted his own forensic evidence, which was later overturned by the NJ Chief State Medical Examiner. Furthermore, Perry has remained absolutely quiet about the death and accusations of is involvement for three years- until he was being ousted as chief and he attempted to use the death as a stronghold. Two Clouds’ mother has been fighting for justice since the day her son’s dead body was found, claiming foul play from the very beginning.
Learn more:
beyond-clouds.org/blog
youtube.com/@beyondclouds6745
This group has been a problem for many decades
Please don’t accept any blankets from this guy.
The Ramapough Lenape Nation is a sovereign, state recognized Indigenous tribe located in New Jersey. Our Nation is governed by an elected Tribal Council, which holds the responsibility and authority to uphold the laws and principles that protect the rights and welfare of the Ramapough people.
Following due process under our governing framework, Mr. Perry was found guilty of serious violations. In accordance with our sovereign authority, the Tribal Council acted within its full legal and moral jurisdiction to hold him accountable for actions that undermined the integrity of our community and the rights of our enrolled members.
Let us be unequivocal, this was not a “coup,” as some have claimed. It was a lawful and necessary exercise of tribal governance. The enforcement of our Nation’s laws is a duty we take seriously, especially when the misuse of power threatens the well-being of our people.
The Ramapough Lenape Nation stands united in our commitment to justice, sovereignty, and the protection of our citizens. Our leadership will continue to act with integrity and resolve in defending the rights, dignity, and future of the Ramapough people.
* I’m an enrolled member of the Ramapough Lenape Nation. I am nota tribal representative. This is my personal opinion.