Muscogee Nation votes to elevate child neglect to felony after Haskell foster child left outside in the cold

The Muscogee Nation National Council unanimously passed a bill to make child endangerment a felony after a Haskell couple was charged for leaving their child outside in nothing but pajamas during freezing weather back in February.

Case History

Kaytlin Fultz is charged with child neglect in the Muscogee Nation Court. That’s a misdemeanor under current law. The tribe does not currently have a felony child neglect law on the books.

Fultz’s husband, Andrew, is charged in state court with felony child neglect.

Why Tribal Court?

The two are going through two different legal systems because Kaytlin is Native American and Andrew is not.

Due to the US Supreme Court on tribal jurisdiction, Kaytlin’s case is either in the hands of federal or tribal prosecutors because she is a Native American charged with a crime inside a Native American reservation. In this case, that’s the Muscogee Nation.

What’s Next?

Chief David Hill has 10 days to sign or veto the bill. If he takes no action, the legislation becomes law.

Previous Coverage

1. Haskell foster parents charged with child neglect after young girl seen outside in freezing cold
2. Timeline: Muskogee Co. foster parents charged with child neglect after girl left in freezing cold
3. Haskell woman charged after video shows child outside shoeless in freezing cold
4. 'Our justice will be served:' Muscogee Nation charges Haskell foster mother accused of leaving girl in cold
5. Muscogee Nation serves search warrant on Haskell foster parents accused of leaving child outside in cold