The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians
The sheriff in Madera County, California, is recommending charges against at least 11 people who were involved in a dispute at the casino owned by the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. Sheriff John Anderson said the 11 were identified through surveillance footage from the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. He's asked the district attorney to file felony charges against those who were involved in the October 9 confrontation that led to the facility's closure. "We take the investigation reports from the agency and we examine the case to see what evidence is available to support what criminal charges after we do the examination if criminal charges are appropriate we will prepare a complaint and file that with a superior court," district attorney Michael Keitz told KSFN. California falls under Public Law 280 so the state has been granted criminal and civil jurisdiction in Indian Country. Two rival factions joined forces to run the casino. A third faction attempted to take over the facility and were reportedly armed with stun guns. “People are outraged," Nancy Ayala, the co-chair of the unity council, told the county board of supervisors, The Fresno Bee reported. Tribal leaders are participating in court-supervised mediation but the state says there has been little progress. The state wants the casino to remain closed. Get the Story:
Sheriff recommends charges against some in Chukchansi casino clash (The Fresno Bee 10/29)
11 people may face criminal charges in Chukchansi casino takeover (KSFN 10/28)
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