Rumored gaming site in limbo after death of Muscogee owner

Thursday, January 12, 2012  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs denied a land-into-trust application for an Indian allotment that's been rumored for a casino development, The Tulsa World reports.

Paul Chissoe, a member of the Muscogee Nation, inherited the 8.2-acre site from his mother. The land is held in restricted status but he asked the BIA to place it in trust.

The BIA, however, failed to complete the process before he died last April. One of his sons, Darrel Chissoe, attempted to complete it but was denied -- apparently because probate hasn't been completed.

"When Mr. Chissoe's heirs or devisees have acquired marketable title to Paul Chissoe's property, they may make application to place their property into trust," BIA superintendent Kelly Harjo wrote in the decision, the World reported.

Darrel Chissoe is appealing the decision, which could affect the rumored gaming plans. If Chissoe's heirs have less than one-half Indian blood, the land will automatically fall out of restricted status.

But if the land is placed in trust, blood quantum won't be an issue.

Get the Story:
South Tulsa smoke shop site in legal limbo (The Tulsa World 1/12)
South Tulsa Residents, Council Set To Take Action Against Rumored Casino (News on 6 1/11)

Related Stories:
Rumor of another casino on an Indian allotment in Oklahoma (1/11)