15 Charged In Casino Takeover

Four of the 15 turned themselves in after the charges were announced Nov. 3 by Madera County Sheriff John Anderson.

Another was arrested at a business in South Carolina Nov. 5. Faction leader Tex McDonald and treasurer Vernon King were arraigned in Madera County Superior Court Nov. 5.

Both saw their bails increased substantially during the hearing, reportedly after a fight broke out in front of the courthouse as they entered for the hearing. McDonald’s bail spiked from $1 million to $2.4 million, while Vernon’s went from $800,000 to $1.75 million. Prosecutors earlier announced bail would be set at $1 million for McDonald and $800,000 for the other 14 suspects upon arrest and arraignment.

One defendant was arrested Nov. 2 and charged with assault with a stun gun. Charges against other defendants include kidnapping, false imprisonment and assault with a firearm.

The charges stem from a long-running dispute between factions of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians vying for control of the resort and casino located about 40 miles northeast of Fresno, Calif. One group, led by McDonald, attempted to take over casino operations by swarming the resort, sending hundreds of gamblers scrambling and locking hotel guests in and out of rooms.

Security video showed armed “security” personnel pouring out of SUVs and into the building, confronting rival members in hotel hallways. Chukchansi Gold was evacuated and closed the next day, and a federal judge has ordered it remain so until the tribe can satisfactorily settle its dispute and operate the venue safely.