Elk Valley Rancheria seeks money from ex-casino partner

Wednesday, June 1, 2011  

The Elk Valley Rancheria of California is trying to recover more than $1 million from its former gaming partner.

The tribe was working with R. Shawn Ellis, whose companies have declared bankruptcy. The tribe says it's owed $480,000 -- plus interest and attorney's fees -- for a failed Las Vegas resort.

Ellis borrowed the money from the tribe in 2008. He says the tribe agreed to convert the loan into a stake in one of his companies and to ask the National Indian Gaming Commission to approve the arrangement but a federal judge disagreed with this claim.

The tribe's lawsuit against Ellis was filed in federal district court. But the tribe is also seeking information about his finances in federal bankruptcy court.

Get the Story:
California tribe probing finances of Las Vegas gaming executive (Vegas Inc 5/31)

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