Probe of Seminole Nation casinos nets plea

Friday, December 21, 2007  

An Arizona man has pleaded guilty to tax evasion in an ongoing probe of the Seminole Nation's casinos in Oklahoma.

Authorities began investigating a prostitution and drug ring in the parking lot of a Seminole travel plaza and casino. They focused on Ivy Ong, the tribe's former gaming partner, who pleaded guilty in September to tax and bribery charges.

A second man has since pleaded guilty to tax evasion. Alyn “Al” Brannon was an associate of Ong's who at one point worked at the Seminole Nation’s Rivermist Casino.

The probe is ongoing, said Sheldon Sperling, the U.S. Attorney for Eastern Oklahoma. Tribal leaders support the investigation. Three unnamed tribal officials allegedly received illegal gifts from Ong.

Get the Story:
Man related to gaming machine probe pleads guilty to tax evasion (The Journal Record 12/21)