Former Oglala Sioux Tribe councilman Don Garnier's federal trial on marijuana charges is on hold, and co-worker Anthony Vocu has pleaded guilty to failure to report a felony.

Garnier, 38, and Vocu, 42, both of Pine Ridge, were arrested Sept. 19, 2007, near Raton, N.M., after law enforcement officers found 21 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of the car Vocu was driving.

Garnier was charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Vocu was charged with possession with intent to distribute and misprision of a felony.

The two were to stand trial in U.S. District Court in New Mexico on March 18. The trial was rescheduled to April 15 while attorneys tried to work out a plea deal.

Assistant U.S. attorney Norman Cairns said Monday that Garnier's trial is off while plea negotiations continue.

Garnier would face a maximum of five years if he is convicted or pleads guilty. Vocu faces a maximum of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the misprision charge. No sentencing date has been set.

Garnier resigned from the tribal council after his arrest.

Contact Heidi Bell Gease at 394-8419 or heidi.bell@rapidcityjournal.com