Compacts | Regulation

Chairman of Chitimacha Tribe accused of stealing casino bonus

Monday, June 20, 2016

Joseph O’Neal Darden Jr., the chairman of the Chitimacha Tribe, is seen a booking photo on June 20, 2016. Although he is a tribal member and was arrested pursuant to provisions in the Class III gaming compact affecting tribal members, his race is listed as "White." Screenshot from Louisiana State Police

The chairman of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana has been arrested.

Joseph O’Neil Darden Jr., 44, turned himself in on Monday morning to face felony theft charges, the Louisiana State Police said in a press release. He is accused of accepting a bonus from the Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel even though he was not entitled to it.

Two former casino executives were previously charged in connection with the incident. General manager Anthony Patrone and chief financial officer Monte Spivey, are accused of manipulating employee records to ensure Darden received the bonue.

"The complaint alleged the manipulation of the casino’s employee and payroll databases that resulted in Darden receiving a several thousand dollar annual bonus that he was not entitled to," the press release stated. "The scheme was facilitated by Patrone and Spivey."

Gaming machines at the Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel in Charenton, Louisiana. Photo from Chitimacha Tribe

Patrone and Spivey were arrested in February and, at the time, authorities already knew about Darden's role in the scheme. But his case was delayed according to the provisions of the Class III gaming compact regarding arrests of tribal members.

"In subsequent discussions with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Chitimacha Tribe, it was decided that the state would effectuate the arrest and prosecution of Darden," the press release stated. Darden otherwise could face federal and tribal charges.

Darden was elected chairman last July. He had been employed as director of sales and catering at Cypress Bayou, according to his LinkedIn profile, but had to leave that post in order to serve on the tribal council.

The casino bonus was presumably paid in December because the state police said it received a complaint in January of this year. The amount was previously reported to be $5,700.

Following Patrone's and Spivey's arrests, the tribe installed a new leadership team at the casino. Darden was suspended back in February, the tribe announced on Monday.

"As required by law in the Tribal State Compact, this matter was subject to an independent investigation by the Louisiana State Police Indian Gaming Unit," the tribe said in a statement, KATC reported. As also required in the Compact, the matter was referred to the United States Attorney's Office and State authorities for review and will now be handled by the State for future procedures as required by applicable law."

Get the Story:
Chitimacha chairman arrested on theft charge (The Lafayette Daily Advertiser 6/20)
Chitimacha Tribe issues statement about chairman's arrest (KATC 6/20)