County that won't deputize tribal officers denied casino funds

Friday, May 6, 2011  

A sheriff who refuses to cross-deputize tribal police officers won't get a share of Indian gaming revenues in Lake County, California.

Lake County Sheriff's Office sought nearly $450,000 in casino funds. But the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee voted 2-1 against the request, with a delgate of the Robinson Rancheria voting no.

The tribe asked Sheriff Frank Rivero to cross-deputize its officers but he refused, citing liability issues. "It's unfortunate that Robinson does not want to mitigate the impact that their gambling casino has on crime and law enforcement in the county of Lake by supporting funds for law enforcement," he told The Lake County-Bee.

On the other hand, the Lake County District Attorney's Office received $279,000. "We have a good working relationship with them," Buffy Jimenez, the tribe's delegate, told the paper.

Tribes in the county contributed $864,056.01 to the revenue sharing fund.

Get the Story:
Funds disbursed: DA's office receives $279,000, Sheriff's Office $0 (The Lake County Record-Bee 5/6)