40 People Indicted in Scheme to Defraud Casino

YAKIMA, Wash. (Associated Press) - More than 40 people have been indicted in Eastern Washington, accused of conspiring to steal more than $100,000 from a Yakama Nation tribal casino through a promotional event.

The federal indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Yakima contends that most of the 42 people collected winnings ranging from $250 to $2,500 in a series of rigged drawings. Prosecutors allege that at least one of those indicted was a casino employee.

Yakama Nation Chairman Harry Smiskin said Monday that the tribe asked the federal government to investigate the case and aided the investigation. He said the arrests were carried out Thursday and Friday.

The Yakama Nation operates the Legends Casino in Toppenish, about 25 miles southeast of Yakima on the Yakama Indian Reservation.