A federal judge in Fresno just shut down the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.
In a letter dated Tuesday, the NIGC’s acting chairman accused casino officials of not filing financial statements and audits dating back to 2012 and 2013, the earliest of which was due April 30, 2013.
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Audits are required so the government officials are assured that tribal gaming meets certain federal guidelines.
Thursday evening about 20 armed tribesmen stormed the lobby with weapons drawn and forced security guards into a portion of the building. The entire casino was evacuated by Madera County Sheriff deputies.
“Most of them were armed in vests. we had three of our officers surrounded to gunpoint. One of our guys were forced against the wall. All three of them were handcuffed and walked into the casino lobby,” said Steve Jones, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.
Madera County Sheriff deputies blocked people from removing what looked like documents out of the building. It’s not clear at this point exactly what those papers are or who was trying to get them out.
The temporary shutdown order will be in effect until a preliminary injunction hearing set for October 15th.
Developing.