FBI raids Mississippi Choctaw gaming facility, seizes property

Wednesday, July 13, 2011  

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians confirmed that the FBI raided one if its gaming facilities on Tuesday.

Agents swarmed the Pearl River Resort and reportedly seized hard drives from computers. But the FBI wouldn't comment and tribal leaders apparently don't know much about the situation.

"We are in the dark as much as you are," council member Cyrus Ben told The Neshoba Democrat.

A reporter from the paper was attending a regular council meeting when word of the FBI raid reached tribal leaders. Miko Beasley Denson, who was defeated in a controversial election earlier this week, made a motion to go into executive session but was voted down.

Nevertheless, Ben asked the reporter to leave the meeting. But it ended just a couple of minutes later, the paper said.

Phyliss J. Anderson beat Denson in the election. But the council threw out the results and ordered a new vote in September.

Get the Story:
FBI raids tribal resort (The Jackson Clarion Ledger 7/13)
FBI Serves Warrant on Pearl River Resort (WTOK 7/12)
Choctaw Tribal Council briefed on FBI investigation at Pearl River Resort (The Neshoba Democrat 7/12)
FBI executes search warrant at Choctaw's Pearl River casino, Resort confirms (The Neshoba Democrat 7/12)
Federal Agents raid Silver Star Casino (WLBT 7/12)

Related Stories:
Mississippi Choctaw council orders new election for chief's post (7/11)