California | Openings & Closings

Disputed Chuckchansi Tribe leader still involved in casino case

Friday, May 15, 2015

Vernon King was serving as treasurer of the tribal faction that sent police officers to the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino last October. Photo from Facebook

A disputed leader of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians has not changed his plea in connection with an incident that led to the closure of the tribe's casino.

Vernon King, 59, was serving as treasurer of a faction that sent police officers to the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino last October. The clash resulted in the closure of the facility and the arrests of 15 people.

King, whose bail was set at $1.75 million, the second highest of those who were charged, has since been released from jail. He's due to return to court on May 29, The Fresno Bee reported.

Tex McDonald was serving as chairman of one faction of the tribe when he was arrested. Photo from Facebook

Tex McDonald, the chairman of the faction, pleaded guilty to one count of felony false imprisonment. He will be sentenced to 16 months but since he's been in jail since November it's expected he will be released in July, the paper said.

In addition to McDonald, three other people pleaded guilty for their roles in the incident. But several others are balking because the arrest could hurt their chances for future employment in the law enforcement field, the Bee reported.

The casino entered the seventh month of closure this week.

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Officers may not enter pleas in Chukchansi office raid case (The Fresno Bee 5/15)