Quapaw leaders accused of wrongly profiting from casino

Tuesday, March 23, 2010  

Three leaders of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma have "personally and unjustifiably" profited from the tribe's casino, according to an internal investigation.

Chairman John Berrey, Vice Chairman J.R. Mathews and tribal council member George McWaters serve on the board for the Downstream Development Authority, which manages the Downstream Casino Resort. The investigation by the tribe's grievance committee found that the three leaders gave themselves large salaries and substantial bonuses and used tribal funds for personal expenditures and trips.

The grievance committee requested a general council meeting to discuss the report. Berrey and his colleagues could be removed from office.

Berrey, however, says the allegations in the report are false and politically motivated.

Get the Story:
Quapaw Tribe panel accuses 3 officials of misuse of funds (The Tulsa World 3/23)

Relevant Documents:
Grievance Committee Report (March 20, 2010)