modbee.com Sheriff: Tribal infighting leads to abrupt Chukchansi casino closure
BY MARC BENJAMIN, RORY APPLETON AND JIM GUY
The Fresno Bee October 10, 2014
COARSEGOLD — Patrons of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino were abruptly ushered out of the casino in mid-game Thursday night by armed guards, and the casino and hotel were shut down.
The property was closed Friday morning after a chaotic night fueled by a feud between factions of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, which owns the casino. The feud spilled over to the tribe’s biggest asset Thursday night after one side said the other used force to try and retrieve key documents in the battle for tribal leadership.
Friday morning, Madera County sheriff’s spokesman Erica Stuart said someone cut power to the resort for a time Thursday night and employees went home. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office found itself caught between the factions and angry customers. Stuart said about 500 patrons were at Chukchansi when the blackout hit, including 200 hotel guests. The guests could not get into their rooms and could not even get valets to retrieve their cars.
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