Louisiana State Police has confirmed its gaming division is exploring allegations of financial misconduct at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, where multiple federal agencies are already looking into claims that the tribe’s former chairman used a casino credit card without tribal permission to help build and furnish his personal home.
The financial fraud allegations involve the tribe’s former chairman, Jonathan Cernek, and two former employees of the casino; Todd Stewart, who was the general manager and chief financial officer; and Paula Corliss, the venue’s purchasing manager.
Details of alleged credit card misuse were revealed in an independent audit submitted to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and in documents Stewart provided last year to the Coushatta Tribal Council.
