The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo from Facebook
A disputed leader of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is expected to plead guilty in connection with a dispute that led to the closure of the tribe's casino, The Fresno Bee reports. Tex McDonald, 64, will take a "non-strike felony," his attorney told the paper. That would prevent him from serving life in prison because he has two prior convictions, the paper reported.
Tex McDonald is one of the disputed leaders charged in connection with the confrontation at the casino. Photo from Facebook
McDonald was serving as chairman of one of the factions of the tribe when he took part in an incident at the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino that led to its closure last October. He has remained in jail after his bond was set at $2.4 million bail -- the highest of the 15 people who have been charged. Some of the other defendants are expected to enter pleas. But the ones who were hired as law enforcement by McDonald's faction are apparently refusing deals, the Bee reported. Get the Story:
Offers made to resolve Chukchansi office raid criminal case (The Fresno Bee 5/1)
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