The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
The sheriff in Madera County, California, is wrapping up an investigation into a dispute that resulted in the closure of the casino owned by the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. Sheriff John Anderson told The Fresno Bee that his reports should be completed next week. They will be sent to the district attorney for possible charges. “All those people who committed violations will be arrested," Anderson told the paper. California falls under Public Law 280 so the state has been granted criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country. Individual Indians and other people who were involved in the dispute could be charged in state court. The federal government also retains authority over the reservation. It hasn't been reported whether the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the FBI have looked into the matter. The casino was closed last week on Thursday night when rival factions clashed. There were reports of guns but Anderson said his team didn't recover any at the scene. The facility remains closed under a federal court order and under a notice of violation and a temporary closure order issued by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Get the Story:
Sheriff Anderson: Arrests couldn’t be made immediately after Chukchansi casino incident (The Fresno Bee 10/17)
Exclusive: Tribal police release new video on Chukchansi casino incident (KSFN 10/16)
Disputed documents returned to Chukchansi casino (KSFN 10/16) An Opinion:
Alex Tavlian: Rome, or in this case, Chukchansi is burning (The Fresno Bee 10/17) Related Stories:
Judge won't allow factions of Chukchansi Tribe to reopen casino (10/16)
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