A Utah tribal leader, who stepped down last week as council chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone amid allegations of financial improprieties in the tribe's business arm, has been accused of slapping his wife and threatening her and an adult son.
Bruce Grant Parry was arrested Nov. 14 at his West Point home by Davis County sheriff's deputies and later released from jail on $1,560 bail, according to court records.
Parry, 70, is charged with one count each of assault and terroristic threats against life or property, both class B misdemeanors. He must appear in Davis County Justice Court by Dec. 3, the court docket says.
Parry could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
A sheriff's report says Parry's wife, Darlene Parry, told deputies that her husband had slapped her Nov. 11 while he was driving her to a medical appointment. She did not report that incident immediately because she feared retaliation, according to the report.
Then, on Nov. 14, the couple got into an argument at their home while she was watching a domestic-violence episode on the "Oprah Winfrey Show," Darlene Parry said.
"Words were exchanged about the incident in the car and he threatened to hit her again," the report says. "He also made statements about homicide towards her and their son Jeff."
On Saturday, a week after his arrest, Parry, who also is chief executive officer of the tribe's economic-development company, and Chief Operating Officer Mike Devine were suspended after a company accountant leveled allegations of embezzlement, tax fraud and corporate mismanagement against Devine.
The council wanted to suspend only Devine, but Parry insisted he also be suspended because he was "ultimately responsible."
Parry also resigned his chairmanship but remains on the tribal council.
