Poarch Creeks arrest four who attempted prayer at casino site

Monday, February 18, 2013

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama arrested four people who attempted a prayer ceremony at the tribe's casino site.

Wayland Gray, Mike Harjo, Michael Deo and a man identified only as "Maggot" were charged with trespassing. Gray also faces a charge of making a terrorist threat.

“The individuals were stopped by property management and advised to leave,” the tribe said in a statement, The Montgomery Advertiser reported. “These individuals refused to leave, made threatening comments and were repeatedly warned that they were trespassing and facing imminent arrest. These individuals continued to challenge Tribal Police and were arrested.

The Save Hickory Ground group came to Alabama to protest the $246 million expansion of the Wind Creek Wetumpka. The casino is located on a burial ground and a historic Creek site.

Get the Story:
Warriors arrested Friday afternoon (The Wetumpka Herald 2/16)
Four arrested for trespassing at casino site (The Atmore Advance 2/16)
Protesters arrested at Wetumpka casino (The Montgomery Advertiser 2/16)
4 OK Indians arrested in Wetumpka casino protest; 1 hit with terrorist threat charge (WSFA-TV 2/15)
Muscogee Indians of Oklahoma Speak Out About Arrests at Wind Creek Casino WNFC-TV 2/15)