Business sues Pojoaque Pueblo over casino management

Thursday, May 26, 2011  

A consulting firm that was hired to turn around the casino owned by Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico is suing the tribe.

Executives from The Fine Point Group started managing the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in January. The company claims tribal officials interfered with the operation of the facility, forcing the executives to resign.

"Despite FPG's executives' clear mandate to take operational control of Buffalo Thunder, and in direct violation of their employment agreements, these Pueblo representatives continually interfered with FPG's executives' ability to operate Buffalo Thunder for the benefit of all interested constituencies," Fine Point said in a press release.

The company did not provide details but a source told The Santa Fe New Mexican of allegations of embezzlement, extortion and harassment at the casino.

In 2009, the tribe defaulted on payments for $245 million in bonds that were used to finance the casino. Last year, the tribe said it had reached agreement to restructure its debt.

Get the Story:
Ex-firm: Unethical dealings at Buffalo Thunder (The Santa Fe New Mexican 5/26)