The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
Rival factions of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians in California are due in court next month as their casino remains closed for the third straight month. A group led by Nancy Ayala and Reggie Lewis has been in control of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. The facility closed on October 9, 2014, when Tex McDonald and his allies attempted a takeover that led to criminal charges against 15 people. McDonald remains in jail on $2.4 million bail. Yet another group, this one led by Morris Reid, claims McDonald has been using tribal funds to pay for his attorneys. Reid is also accusing the Ayala/Lewis group of failing to pay per capita payments to all tribal members. Reid is asking a federal judge to hold Ayala and Lewis in contempt and to appoint a receiver to oversee the tribe's funds. A hearing is scheduled for February 11, The Fresno Bee reported. Get the Story:
Judge’s order violated as Chukchansi tribal factions continue to bicker (The Fresno Bee 1/9) Related Stories:
Chukchansi Tribe's casino remains closed for third straight month (1/8)
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