Tex McDonald, a rival leader of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. Photo from Facebook
Two disputed leaders of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians remain jailed in Madera County, California, after participating in a dispute that led to the closure of the tribe's casino. Judge Matthew Rigby refused to lower bail amounts for Tex McDonald, the disputed chairman, and Vernon King, the treasurer. He also refused to release the men, who are accused of taking part in an armed confrontation that led to the closure of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino on October 9. “I am dealing with conduct at the casino,” Rigby said in court yesterday, The Fresno Bee reported. “It’s very serious conduct, whether it’s police activity or not.”
Vernon King, a rival leader of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. Photo from Facebook
McDonald, King and 13 others have been charged in connection with the attempted takeover. John Oliveira, the faction's police chief, turned himself in and had his bail set at $1.25 million -- the third highest of the group. McDonald's bail remains at $2.4 million while King's remains at $1.75 million. Attorneys for the men argued they posed no danger to the community.
The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
The casino has been closed under a permanent injunction issued by a federal judge at the request of the state. The National Indian Gaming Commission also issued a notice of violation and a temporary closure order to the tribe. Get the Story:
Judge refuses to lower bail for Chukchansi raid leaders; tribal police chief turns himself in (The Fresno Bee 11/13)
Chukchansi casino allows Action News cameras inside (KSFN 11/12)
Chukchansi showdown: Setback for McDonald faction (KSFN 11/12)
Third Chukchansi faction proposes resolve agreement (The Sierra 11/12) Related Stories:
Leaders of Chukchansi Tribe seek release over casino feud (11/12)
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