Investigation launched against previous Coushatta tribal leader, accused of mismanaging gaming resources: insider report
Louisiana's Coushatta Tribe, Former Chairman Under Federal Investigation for Alleged Misuse of Casino Credit Cards
The former chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Jonathan Cernek, is currently under federal investigation for the suspected misuse of tribal casino credit cards. Agencies involved in the probe include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Indian Gaming Commission, and the Louisiana State Police.
Cernek assumed the role of tribal chairman in June 2021, serving until his resignation in August 2024. Prior to his tenure as chairman, he spent eight years on the Tribal Council, holding the position of vice chairman at one point.
Individuals familiar with the tribe's internal operations have spoken to Native News Online, revealing that an estimated $350,000 in personal charges were made on two casino credit cards allegedly used by Cernek. These expenses had no apparent connection to the management or expansion of the casino, yet coincided with a $150 million expansion project at the resort.
The FBI has reportedly interviewed several individuals with direct knowledge of the suspected financial misconduct, including a key witness, for approximately three hours. Seven individuals have been mentioned or are under consideration for questioning in relation to the case.
Sources hint that the investigation may not be limited to a single individual, as some current and former Tribal Council members are also under scrutiny. The investigation remains on-going, with no official statements released by the FBI or the National Indian Gaming Commission as of the latest updates.
Community reactions to the allegations have been palpable, with tribal members finding it difficult to reconcile the charges against Cernek, who had previously shown support for tribal elders. The incident has invoked comparisons to recent tribal gaming scandals, emphasizing ongoing concerns regarding financial accountability within tribal gaming enterprises.
The investigation remains active, and further details are anticipated as the case unfolds.
The financial misconduct under investigation involves the alleged personal use of casino credit cards from the Coushatta Tribe's industry, with expenses totaling an estimated $350,000 having no apparent connection to the casino's management or expansion. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is interrogating key witnesses in this case that bears resemblance to recent tribal gaming scandals, highlighting the need for increased financial accountability within tribal gaming enterprises.
