On May 15th 2015, five Chukchansi tribal police officers who were part of a raid last October at the Madera County, California casino have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing charges.
These pleas were part of a deal with prosecutors. The terms are that if the men stay away from the casino and also do not get arrested in the coming year, then their records will be expunged. Various?felony charges were dropped as part of the agreement.
The police officers were hired by one faction of the tribe. Tex McDonald the faction chairman has already pled guilty to one count of felony false imprisonment for his part in the event. His sentence is 16 months and he is expected to be released in July with credit for time served.
The treasurer of the faction, Vernon King has also been charged. He though, has not accepted a plea agreement and will be heading to trial.
Two leaders of two other factions on the reservation are making moves to try and get the Chukchansi Gold casino reopened.