Cayugas Press Claims Against Members it Says Owe Rent

The Cayuga Indian Nation is resuming its efforts to collect judgements against eight of its members accused of occupying Nation property without paying rent. The Finger Lakes Times reports the Cayugas are seeking recognition of those judgements by the state Supreme Court. The Supreme Court entered default judgements against the eight when they failed to appear in court, but those judgements were overturned by Acting State Supreme Court Justice and Seneca County Judge Barry Porsch, who ruled the cases should be decided on their merits. A state Appeals Court has upheld Porch’s ruling. The Supreme Court is now being asked to rule whether the judgements are rent, or for a fine or penalty. The latter would be unenforceable under state law.