The Cayuga Nation's recent election of a pro-gaming slate of leaders is rife with fraud, critics say.

Assemblyman Jim Brennan (D) is investigating Empire Resorts' involvement in the election. "It's shameful they should be involved in intervening in the internal politics of the tribe, and if we receive information about matters we think are illegal under federal or state law, we will refer them" for prosecution, he told Ottaway News Service.

New council member Gary Wheeler said Empire gave the tribe money to hold the election but wouldn't disclose how much. "You couldn't influence our people to go one way or another," he was quoted as saying. "They pretty much think for themselves."

But a lawyer for traditional tribal leaders who oppose gaming said tribal members weren't given a choice of whom to elect. They were only asked if they wanted to create an interim council.

Get the Story:
Cayuga election fraud suspected (Ottaway News Service 5/17)
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