California | NIGC | Openings & Closings

Disputed leaders of Chukchansi Tribe in court over casino closure

Thursday, April 9, 2015

The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo from Facebook

A judge in California will hear arguments tomorrow in a dispute that led to the closure of the casino owned by the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians.

Fifteen people have been charged in connection with an armed confrontation at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on October 9, 2014. The defendants include two leaders from one of the rival factions of the tribe.

Tex McDonald is one of the disputed leaders charged in connection with the confrontation at the casino. Photo from Facebook

Those leaders -- Tex McDonald and Vernon King -- remain jailed for their role in the dispute. They are claiming sovereign immunity because they say they were the rightful leaders of the tribe at the time of the dispute.

McDonald and King also say the state lacks jurisdiction to prosecute them. California falls under Public Law 280 but they argue they can't be charged because they were carrying out their duties as tribal leaders.

Vernon King is another disputed leader charged in connection with the confrontation at the casino. Photo from Facebook

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, however, has since recognized a different slate of leaders as the interim council. According to The Fresno Bee, the National Indian Gaming Commission, also recognizes the same council, which could lead to the reopening of the casino.

In addition to Vernon and King, members of the police force they hired have been charged for their roles in the dispute. No one from the other factions of the tribe have been charged.

The defendants are seeking to have all the charges dismissed, an issue that will be the subject of tomorrow's hearing. The state is arguing that Judge Dale Blea does not have to determine who was in charge of the tribe in order to continue with the case.

Get the Story:
Chukchansi arrests back before Madera judge, who must decide: Who’s in charge? (The Fresno Bee 4/9)