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Coushatta treasurer accuses NIGC of lax oversight
Monday, April 12, 2004

The secretary-treasurer of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana says the National Indian Gaming Commission is failing to investigate alleged violations of federal law.

The Lake Charles American Press quotes a letter Harold John sent to NIGC chairman Phil Hogen. John says Hogen's agency has failed to follow up on alleged abuses of the tribe's funds and alleged violations of the tribe's gaming compact with the state.

John claims tribal funds were used for improper purposes. According to an internal tribal report, the tribe spent $32.4 million on lobbying and public relations. Of that amount, $24 million came from money meant for housing, education and health and other general tribal needs.

The Coushatta Tribe is one of four tribes that gave $45 million to Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon, a public relations executive with close ties to Abramoff. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee is investigating the high fees.

Get the Story:
Coushatta official calls for gaming investigation (AP 4/12)
Official calls for gaming investigation (The Lake Charles American Press 4/10)

Relevant Links:
Coushatta Tribe - http://www.coushattatribela.org
Greenberg Traurig - http://www.gtlaw.com

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