Authorities in Madera County, California, announced charges against 15 people in connection with a dispute that led to the closure of the casino owned by the Picayune
Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians.
Tex McDonald, who claims to be chairman of the tribe, was among those charged.
He faces multiple felonies for instigating an attempted takeover of the Chukchansi Gold Resort
& Casino on October 9.
So far, however, the disputed chairman has not been arrested. The sheriff in Madera County has only taken one suspect -- an employee of a security firm associated with McDonald's faction -- into custody.
When McDonald is arrested, his bail will be set at $1 million, the highest of the group, The Fresno Bee reported. According to the paper, he has two prior criminal convictions.
California falls under Public Law
280 so the state has been granted criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian
Country.
The casino remains closed under a preliminary injunction granted at the request of the state. The National Indian Gaming Commission also issued a notice
of violation and a temporary closure order to the tribe.
Get the Story:
15 people charged in Chukchansi Casino takeover
(KSFN 10/31)
15 charged with felonies in Chukchansi Gold casino armed confrontation
(The Fresno Bee 11/1)
Madera County sheriff: Chukchansi takeover suspect captured in Tulare County
(The Fresno Bee 11/3)
Related Stories:
Judge grants injunction to keep
Chukchansi Tribe casino closed (10/30)