Decision awaited in Creek Nation casino revenue case

Monday, January 11, 2010  

The leader of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma is confident he will win a lawsuit over the control of tribal gaming revenues.

Chief A.D. Ellis filed a lawsuit in tribal court after he said six local communities misused revenue from their casinos. An audit found "suspicious" cash withdrawals, The Tulsa World reported, and money was used for out-of-state travel and other non-essential purposes, according to Ellis.

"They could have jeopardized our entire gaming operation," Ellis told the paper.

Greg Meier, an attorney who represents two of the communities, disputed the allegations. He said no fraud or embezzlement has turned up.

"It's really a sorry excuse for an audit. It was just a hatchet job," Meier told the paper.

A decision could come next month. Ellis wants the central tribal government to control gaming month instead of local communities.

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Tribal suit decision expected (The Tulsa World 1/10)