Faction of Chukchansi Tribe denies gaming cash went missing


The Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, California. Photo © Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

A faction of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians in California says cash from the tribe's casino has been safely deposited.

About $316,000 from the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino has been the subject of a dispute between rival factions. Reggie Lewis, who claims to be chairman, said the money was illegally diverted to a council that hasn't been recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

But a spokesperson for Tex McDonald, who claims to be acting chair, said the money has been safely deposited in a bank account. However, the faction isn't providing further details.

"The money has never disappeared ... the money was never unaccounted for," the spokesperson told The Fresno Bee.

The BIA has said it will conduct business with an interim council that includes Lewis and two of his rivals. McDonald is not on that council, according to the agency.

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Chukchansi tribal group says casino money never disappeared (The Fresno Bee 2/28)

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