A Louisiana tribal casino is under the scrutiny of at least two federal agencies, according to documents the Illuminator has obtained and a former casino purchasing manager who says authorities have interviewed her twice about the matter.
The probe involves Jonathan Cernek, former chairman of the Coushatta Tribe, who federal regulators allege used a casino business credit card to build and furnish his personal home. A former tribal official said the controversy has raised questions about fairness and accountability over how leaders spend casino proceeds intended to benefit all its members.
The National Indian Gaming Commission ordered the Coushatta Tribal Gaming Commission last month to suspend the license of Todd Stewart, the casino’s former general manager and chief financial officer, because of an alleged failure to report suspected misuse of gaming revenues during Cernek’s tenure.
