No charges over evictions for Jamul Band casino

Wednesday, September 19, 2007  

The district attorney in San Diego County, California, won't file charges in a casino eviction dispute on the Jamul Reservation.

The Jamul Band of Kumeyaay Indians evicted several longtime residents in order to make way for a casino. The dispute led to a clash between the residents and private security guards hired by the tribe.

Both sides filed complaints with the county but after an investigation by the sheriff, the district attorney said no charges will be filed because the state lacks jurisdiction over a "civil" matter like eviction. "Our office is authorized by Congress to prosecute state crimes committed on Indian reservations, but we have no jurisdiction over civil matters," DA Bonnie Dumanis told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Public Law 280 grants California criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country. “Based upon this unique and unusual set of circumstances, our office has declined to file criminal charges against any of the persons involved in the events of March 10, 2007 on the Jamul Indian Reservation," Dumanis said.

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No charges will be filed in eviction incidents (The San Diego Union-Tribune 9/19)