Michigan judge gives Sault tribe two weeks to resolve $89M settlement with developers of failed casinos

Michigan judge gives Sault tribe two weeks to resolve $89M settlement with developers of failed casinos

Article brief provided by Lansing State Journal
  • Krystal Nurse, Lansing State Journal
February 1, 2023 9:03 PM
  • Krystal Nurse, Lansing State Journal

An Ingham County judge gave the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians two weeks to work out the details of how an $89 million judgment will be settled with two Michigan development firms and further prohibited the tribe from disposing of assets.

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Ingham County Circuit Court Chief Judge Joyce Draganchuck re-issued a two-week temporary restraining order, and said the tribe cannot be trusted to not violate court orders.

Draganchuk ruled earlier this month the tribe’s gaming hand, Kewadin Casinos Gaming Authority, has to pay $88.8 million to the New Boston and Lansing development companies.

The payouts, which include $9 million in loans from the developers, interest and loss of potential future profits, include $60 million for an unbuilt casino in Huron Township near Metro Airport and $28.8 million for an unbuilt casino in Lansing.