Cherokees want United Keetowah casino closed

Monday, August 2, 2004  

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is pressuring state and federal officials to shut down a small casino run by the United Keetoowah Band.

In September 2000, the National Indian Gaming Commission agrees the casino is not operating on trust land. The matter was referred to state prosecutors, who declined to act.

One of those prosecutors was Cherokee County district attorney Dianne Barker Harrold. She happens to be currently employed as the tribe's attorney general.

As the tribe's top lawyer, Harrold obtained an order preventing the state from trying to close the casino. The judge did so without notifying Harrold's predecessor who is upset over her handling of the situation.

The case is still pending. A hearing is set for tomorrow.

Get the Story:
Casino stays open amid dispute (The Daily Oklahoman 8/2)
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