The sheriff who was denied a share of gaming revenues says he won't be held "hostage" by the Robinson Rancheria of California.

Lake County Sheriff Frank Rivero refuses to cross-deputize the tribe's officers. He says he can't trust the tribe with access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and the California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System.

"Deputizing Robinson officers and granting them access to State-automated systems reserved for use by California peace officers would place all of the liability for their actions on the County of Lake," Rivero said in a document, The Lake County Record-Bee reported.

Rivero's position apparently led the tribe's representative on the county's Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee to vote against his request for $450,000 in tribal revenues.

Get the Story:
Sheriff reacts to losing out on funds (The Lake County Record-Bee 5/10)
Sheriff clashes with tribe over resources, funding issues l (The Lake County News 5/7)

An Opinion:
Paul D. Carlsen : Carlsen: Sheriff is right to stand up to tribe's strong-arm tactics (The Lake County News 5/9)

Related Stories:
Sheriff who won't deputize tribal officers denied gaming funds (5/6)