BIA asks Quapaw leaders to answer to casino allegations

Tuesday, March 30, 2010  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has asked three leaders of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma to respond to allegations that they "personally and unjustifiably" profited from the tribe's casino, The Native American Times reports.

The BIA wants information from Chairman John Berrey, Vice Chairman J.R. Matthews and Treasurer George “Ranny” McWatters by April 19. If necessary, the BIA plans to oversee a tribal council meeting to address the allegations, Jim Greenfeather of the Quapaw Grievance Committee told the paper.

Berrey, Mathews and McWaters serve as board members of the Downstream Development Authority, which manages the Downstream Casino Resort. The grievance committee's report said the three leaders gave themselves large salaries and substantial bonuses and used tribal funds for personal expenditures and trips.

Get the Story:
BIA called in to Quapaw investigation (The Native American Times 3/29)

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

Earlier Stories:
Quapaw chairman dismisses allegations in gaming report (3/29)
Quapaw leaders accused of wrongly profiting from casino (3/23)