ARIZONA NEWS

Claims of faulty PPE sent to Navajo Nation prompts calls for investigation

Jun 2, 2020, 4:15 AM

(AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)...

(AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

(AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

PHOENIX — The Arizona Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus is calling for an investigation following claims that faulty PPE had been supplied to the Navajo Nation.

The caucus alleges that nearly 250,000 breathing masks and another 130,000 masks that were delivered to the Navajo Nation last month are potentially unusable, according to a press release.

“The Indigenous Peoples Caucus call for an immediate state and federal investigation into why the Navajo Nation was sent faulty PPE,” the release stated.

“The Caucus demands to know what the Arizona and federal government’s plan is to not only get sufficient PPE to the Navajo Nation, but the plan to help the Tribal Governments across Arizona respond to COVID-19.”

Josh Fuentes — a former deputy chief of staff for President Donald Trump — is said to own the company responsible for delivering the face masks.

The Arizona Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus also said Fuentes’ company had no experience in producing or delivering PPE.

The Navajo Nation reported 5,348 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and a death count of 246 on Sunday night.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega wants to enact stricter regulations on nuisance parties. (@scottsd...

Damon Allred

Scottsdale City Council to consider stricter noise, disturbance provisions

The Scottsdale City Council will discuss three new ordinances on Monday being presented to mitigate disturbances caused by noisy gatherings.

39 minutes ago

A technician laser-milling a needle designed with custom geometry to enable the Neuralink's R1 Robo...

Amy Edelen/Phoenix Business Journal

Elon Musk’s Neuralink begins clinical trials in Phoenix

Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company Neuralink is conducting clinical trials in Phoenix for its brain implant device.

1 hour ago

Mesa child assault suspect....

KTAR.com

$12K reward offered for information leading to arrest of child assault suspect in Mesa

Authorities are seeking the public's assistance in locating the suspect involved in a February attempted sexual assault case of a minor in Mesa.

11 hours ago

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 were closed Friday night due to a crash. (ADOT cams)...

KTAR.com

Eastbound Interstate 10 closed in downtown Phoenix after crash

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 were closed Friday night due to a crash, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.

11 hours ago

Loop 101 southbound lanes in Scottsdale closed after a crash on Friday. (ADOT Cam photo)...

KTAR.com

Loop 101 Pima southbound lanes reopened in Scottsdale after crash causes closure

The southbound lanes of Loop 101 Pima freeway at Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale are back open, according to ADOT.

14 hours ago

Ariz.. Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, takes a selfie with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, after Hobbs sig...

Associated Press

Hobbs’ signing of abortion law repeal follows political fight by women lawmakers

Katie Hobbs' signing of the repeal was a stirring occasion for the women working to ensure that the 19th century law remains in the past.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Condor Airlines

Condor Airlines can get you smoothly from Phoenix to Frankfurt on new A330-900neo airplane

Adventure Awaits! And there's no better way to experience the vacation of your dreams than traveling with Condor Airlines.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Day & Night is looking for the oldest AC in the Valley

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Avoid a potential emergency and get your home’s heating and furnace safety checked

With the weather getting colder throughout the Valley, the best time to make sure your heating is all up to date is now. 

Claims of faulty PPE sent to Navajo Nation prompts calls for investigation