Two dozen indicted for cheating casinos out of $3.3M

Friday, May 25, 2007

A federal grand jury handed down a 70-page indictment against 24 people -- including the son of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels -- who are accused of cheating Indian and non-Indian gaming facilities out of at least $3.3 million.

The 24 people allegedly bribed dealers in order to cheat on card games. They repeatedly won bets after signaling dealers to perform a "false shuffle," according to the Department of Justice.

The criminal organization counted cards at 18 gaming establishments in seven states and Canada. Ten of the casinos were tribally-owned: Agua Caliente Band, Barona Band, Rumsey Rancheria, Mashantucket Pequot, Mississippi Band, Morongo Band, Sycuan Band, Puyallup Tribe and Nooksack Tribe.

Jacob Dyson Nickels, the son of the major, worked at the Nooksack casino as a pit boss. He allegedly accepted money to help the criminal organization win card games.

The National Indian Gaming Commission and the Indian Gaming Working Group participated in the investigation. "The NIGC is pleased to have contributed to such a large scale investigation involving a criminal network that cheated Indian casinos out of millions of dollars," said Phil Hogen, the chairman of the agency.

Get the Story:
2 Dozen Charged With Cheating Casinos (AP 5/24)
pwpwd
Ex-Nooksack Casino dealers charged (The Bellingham Herald 5/25)
Casinos here among 18 scammed for millions (The Seattle Times 5/25)
Mayor's son indicted (The Seattle Times 5/25)
Mayor's son indicted in scam (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 5/25)
Local casinos assist in busting gaming ring (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 5/25)