Flash drive holding Navajo veterans' records turned over to the FBI

A USB flash drive said to hold the confidential records of Navajo veterans has been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to the Office of the Speaker.

Legislative Branch Chief Legal Counsel G. Michelle Espino arranged for the drive to be secured by the Farmington office on Tuesday, following concerns raised during Monday's regular meeting of the Health, Education and Human Services Committee.

At that meeting, Ryan Benally, the newly appointed commander of the Navajo Nation Veterans Advisory Council, reported on the flash drive, which was discovered at a Farmington laundromat and reportedly contained sensitive records belonging to Navajo veterans. According to testimony, the files reportedly included Social Security information, DD-214 records, identification documents, financial assistance applications, direct-deposit information and other personally identifiable information.

The drive was discovered by a Navajo veteran who remains anonymous due to concerns about potential retaliation. The veteran reported that he immediately notified the Office of the President and Vice President and the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration, but to-date has not received a response.

The veteran later reported the matter to Shiprock Veterans Organization Commander Demetria Simms, who informed the committee chair, Vince R. James. During the meeting, James asked the commander to provide an update to the committee, then directed the chief legal counsel to coordinate delivery of the flash drive to the FBI.

Speaker Crystalyne Curley said the council has taken action to protect the privacy and trust of Navajo veterans. "Given the nature and apparent scope of the information involved, this potential data breach requires prompt and serious attention."

The committee chair said: "These veterans entrusted their government with personal records, and we have a responsibility to determine what happened, who was responsible and what steps are necessary to protect every veteran who may have been affected."

The matter remains under review as authorities determine the nature and extent of the information contained on the flash drive.