The Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, Alabama. Photo © Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
A judge in Alabama will hold a hearing next week to consider trespass charges against four men who staged a protest at the casino owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The four men were arrested on February 15 for protesting the $246 million expansion of the Wind Creek Wetumpka. They say the tribe is desecrating Hickory Ground, a historic burial site. Wayland Gray, a citizen of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, was charged with trespassing and making a terrorist threat. However, the grand jury reduced the terrorism charge to disorderly conduct. Gray and the three others are due for a hearing May 14, Brandon Ludwick, an attorney who is representing the Muscogee Nation in a lawsuit against the Poarch Band, said in a press release. Ludwick said the men should be allowed to pray at the Hickory Ground. The Poarch Band, however, is asserting the right to restrict access to the site. "We will continue to exercise these rights and maintain the safety and security of our lands," the tribe said in a press release. Get the Story:
Local, State briefs: Terrorism count thrown out of Creek descendant's case [see third item] (The Tulsa World 5/4) Related Stories:
ICT interviews Creek leaders in dispute over Alabama casino (04/02)
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