California

Investigation at North Fork Rancheria tied to gaming proposal

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California says a federal investigation is "apparently" centered on the tribe's gaming agreement with Station Casinos.

The tribe is proposing an off-reservation casino about 40 miles from its headquarters. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the project in September after years of work.

"The investigation apparently concerns the use and disclosure of the limited funds advanced to the Tribe for its proposed casino project under its development agreement with Station Casinos," the tribe said in a statement to local news outlets. "This information is routinely made available to tribal citizens in considerable detail, including general ledger records of each and every check drawn from the project and other unrestricted tribal funds."

"The Tribe therefore does not understand the basis for the investigation, and is dismayed that information which the Tribe would have been more than willing to provide is instead being secured with a search warrant," the statement said.

Other tribes in California are against the casino. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) can veto it.

Get the Story:
Money Questions Surround Rancheria (CBS47 12/6)
FBI Raids Valley Indian Reservation (KSEE-TV 12/6)
Search warrant served at North Fork Rancheria (The Fresno Bee 12/6)
FBI Raids Indian Reservation (KMPH-TV 12/7)
FBI raids North Fork Rancheria tribal government offices (KSFN-TV 12/7)