The Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut and Steven Thomas (inset). Photos from Facebook and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut won the dismissal of a lawsuit that challenged the hiring of a convicted felon at its casino. Steven Thomas was hired as manager of tribal and Native American relations at Foxwoods Resort Casino in December 2013. That was two months after he pleaded guilty for stealing from the tribe when he held a prior position elsewhere in the tribal government. Charlene Jones. who was passed over for the Foxwoods job, challenged the hiring in tribal court. She argued that Thomas was not qualified and was not in "good standing" due to his conviction. However, the judge dismissed the case, determining that the casino was within its right to determine who was qualified for the job, the Associated Press reported. The judge also said only entity that determines who is "good standing" is the tribe's elders council, which was not a party to the suit. Jones plans to appeal. “Personally, it’s unbelievable,” she told the AP. “It makes no logical sense.” Thomas was sentenced in February 2014 to two years of probation, including three months of home confinement. A month later, the elders council voted to banish him for one year -- however, he was allowed to stay in his home on the reservation and commute to and from his job at Foxwoods. Get the Story:
Judge rejects challenge of convict’s hiring (AP 6/9) Related Stories:
Mashantucket Tribe hired convicted council member at casino (12/8)
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