Disputed leader of Chukchansi Tribe pleads guilty in casino case

Monday, May 4, 2015

Tex McDonald was serving as chairman of one faction of the tribe when he was arrested. Photo from Facebook

A disputed leader of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians admitted his role in an incident that led to the closure of the tribe's casino.

Tex McDonald, 64, pleaded guilty on Friday to one count of felony false imprisonment. He will be sentenced to 16 months but since he's been in jail since November it's expected he will be released in July, The Fresno Bee reported.

Vernon King was serving as treasurer of the tribal faction. Photo from Facebook

Another leader, Vernon King, 59, was released on Friday. He hasn't taken a plea deal but could agree to one before his next hearing at the end of the month, the paper reported.

McDonald and King were chairman and treasurer, respectively, of one faction of the tribe. The 13 police officers they hired were also charged in connection with the incident that prompted the closure of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino last October.

The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo from Facebook

Four of the other defendants -- including the police chief hired by McDonald's faction -- accepted plea deals while eight others could also plead guilty. One person had his case dismissed because he was not involved in the dispute, the Bee reported.

Two other factions of the tribe are hoping to get the casino reopened.

Get the Story:
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