California attorney general's office and the National Indian Gaming Commission are launching new investigations into a tribal official who was convicted of a felony, The Los Angeles Times reports.

Gilbert Cash pleaded no contest in November to a felony charge of spousal abuse. As chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians' gaming commission, the conviction would violate state, federal and tribal law

The state attorney general and the NIGC previously looked into Cash and other gaming commissioners in response to a Times series questioning regulation of the tribe's casino. In December, both agencies gave the tribe a positive review but didn't know at the time that Cash had already been convicted, the paper said.

The tribe operates a highly successful casino. Each month, every enrolled member receives a per capita check of nearly $30,000, the paper reported last month.

Get the Story:
Chumash Face New Scrutiny After Conviction (The Los Angeles Times 1/13)
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Relevant Links:
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians - http://www.santaynezchumash.org

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