California | Public Relations

Sycuan Band executive among 22 indicted in illegal gambling case

Monday, February 1, 2016

A view of the Sycuan Resort in El Cajon, California. Photo from Facebook

The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in California is promising to cooperate with authorities after one of its executives was indicted in an international gambling, drug trafficking and money laundering case.

Jim Muse allegedly served as a bookie for the ODOG crime ring. He is the former general manager of the Sycuan Casino and the current manager of the Sycuan Resort, a golf facility that will be seeing slot machines part of the tribe's new Class III gaming compact.

“The tribe was unaware of any illegal criminal activity,” Adam Day, the tribe's assistant tribal manager, told The San Diego Union-Tribune. “We are very concerned with the allegations while at the same time respecting the presumption of innocence for anyone accused of a crime. If requested we will fully cooperate with the authorities.”

Muse was among 22 people who were indicted last week. Federal authorities say Owen Hanson, a former athlete at the University of Southern California, led the illegal ring.

“Transnational criminal organizations pose a significant threat to our country and our allies throughout the world,” U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy said in a press release.

Get the Story:
From football to drug, gambling charges (The San Diego Union-Tribune 1/31)
22 indicted in illegal gambling and drug ring that feds say was led by former USC athlete (The Los Angeles Times 1/29)
Former USC Football Walk-On Charged With Running International Drug Smuggling Ring (Deadspin 1/28)