Dishonest Deeds at the Casino: The Coushatta Tribe's Shady Scandal
Federal Investigators Examine Former Coushatta Tribal Chief's Expenditure on Casino Credit Cards
The spotlight's shining bright on Jonathan Cernek, once the big cheese of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, as FBI agents sniff around claims of him squandering half a million bucks meant for the tribe's casino operations. The National Indian Gaming Commission and the Louisiana State Police are lending a helping hand in this investigation.
Cernek: The Casino's Self-Proclaimed Kingpin
From June 2021 to his departure in August 2024, Cernek ruled the roost as chairman. Whispers circulating allege he splurged a hefty $350,000 on non-essential expenses using two casino credit cards. Before he climbed to the top spot, Cernek sat on the Tribal Council for over a decade, serving as vice chairman at one point.
An insider spilled the beans to investigators and chatted with Native News Online, revealing three hours of chatty sessions with federal agents. These shady financial dealings took place during the Coushatta Casino Resort's $150 million growth project.
The reported misconduct seems to have happened in sync with major changes at the resort, such as constructing a swanky new eight-story hotel aimed at boosting tourist numbers and attracting regional visitors. Back in the day, Cernek touted the expansion as an opportunity to make guests' stays more comfortable and position the resort for job creation1.
The Investigation Expands: More Council Members under the Microscope
Federal agents are digging deeper, scrutinizing multiple current and former Tribal Council members. Insiders say authorities have zeroed in on at least seven individuals privy to the shady dealings1.
A former employee shares that the scandal's ripples are being felt strongly within the tribal community. Many gave Cernek props for programs aiding tribal elders, but the accusations of financial misconduct have left them disheartened1. The ex-employee confesses they found it tough to reconcile the reported misconduct with past helpful initiatives, grappling with the contradictory narratives.
As of May 2025, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is on the hunt for a new chairman after Cernek put in his papers during the probe1. vacancy. The tribe is busy with the election process to pick a new leader.
The FBI and the National Indian Gaming Commission have kept mum on the issue, as have tribal spokespeople. The case remains an enigma, as the covered-up identities of those under investigation prevent a clearer understanding of the situation1.
- Infamous Cernek, once the leader of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, faces an FBI probe for using casino credit cards for a whopping $350,000 worth of non-official expenses, according to an unnamed source close to tribal affairs. This spice of intrigue has the National Indian Gaming Commission and Louisiana State Police helping with the investigation1.
- Cernek, chairman from June 2021 until his resignation in August 20242, presided over his court while the Coushatta Casino Resort underwent a $150 million expansion, which included building a lavish eight-story hotel2.
- According to a confidential insider, Cernek racked up personal charges on two casino credit cards during the alleged misconduct, which allegedly took place during the significant growth period of the casino resort1.
- Federal investigators remain mute as they probe further into likely involvement of Coushatta Tribal Council members1. Emerging reports have named at least seven council members under scrutiny1.
- A disgruntled former employee weighed in on the scandal, admitting that it's stirring up discontent within the tribal community. While the contributions made by Cernek towards improving living conditions for tribal elders were acknowledged, the claims of financial fraud have left locals feeling let down1.
- Federal investigators are looking into alleged misconduct by multiple current and former members of the Coushatta Tribe's Tribal Council, a situation that was sparked by an FBI probe into the questionable use of casino funds by the former chairman, Jonathan Cernek.
- According to an insider, Cernek, who served as chairman from June 2021 to August 2024, allegedly charged $350,000 worth of personal expenses on two casino credit cards during this time.
- As the FBI digs deeper into the case, the investigation expanded to encompass many members of the Tribal Council, with at least seven individuals being identified as having potentially been involved in the shady dealings that took place during the casino's $150 million growth project.
