• A federal investigation of the Coushatta Casino Resort is ongoing
• There are allegations that the former chairman of the tribe used the casino’s credit card for personal purchases

Louisiana’s largest casino remains under federal investigation, with the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) probing allegations of fraud at the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder.

The Coushatta Casino Resort, a tribal casino in Louisiana, remains the subject of a federal investigation. Law enforcement authorities reportedly believe the tribe’s former chairman stole money from the casino for personal expenses. (Image: Coushatta Casino Resort)

In May, Casino.org reported that the federal agencies, along with the Louisiana State Police, were investigating claims that former Coushatta Tribe Chairman Jonathan Cernek used a casino credit card for personal expenses related to the construction of his house. Cernek abruptly resigned without explanation on Aug. 9, 2024, after more than a decade serving within the Coushatta executive government.

Stewart, initially the casino’s chief financial officer, was promoted to general manager in January 2022.

Stewart the Scapegoat?

At least a year before Coushatta obtained its loan, federal law enforcement agencies believed instances of fraud were occurring within the top levels of the tribe. After the NIGC received a complaint and an independent audit of the tribal casino’s finances ensued, there were suspicions of funds being misappropriated, with Cernek and possibly other senior tribal leaders involved in the scheme.

The NIGC ordered that Stewart be put on leave and his gaming license suspended. The directive came after the federal agencies alleged that Stewart did not timely report the suspected misuse of tribal funds.

Stewart, who is no longer with Coushatta, is now speaking out in his defense. He tells the Louisiana Illuminator that he identified the alleged misuse of funds in November 2023 when he received invoices for “bathroom fixtures,” with the Cernek home listed as the delivery address.  

Stewart claims he immediately notified tribal leadership, including the Coushatta Tribal Council. He also confronted Cernek, Stewart says, which resulted in his job being threatened by the then-chairman.

Throughout my tenure with the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, I have discharged the duties of my position with professional integrity and have worked with the stakeholders for the betterment of the Coushatta Casino Resort. That has defined my tenure,” Stewart told the Illuminator.

Shawna Castellano, a regional director with the NIGC, wrote in an order last month that Stewart failed to relay the financial discrepancies to external auditors, nor raised the issue to Wells Fargo as it considered agreeing to the $150 million loan.

Stewart says he’s being used as a scapegoat.

It appears that there is an attempt to hold me, the non-tribal member, accountable for the inappropriate actions of the chairman, a tribal member,” Stewart concluded to the Illuminator.

The 2023 audit of the tribe’s finances found 338 transactions with no receipts for purchases totaling $111,697.

The federal agencies have not spoken publicly on the ongoing investigation.

Expansion Soon Coming

Next spring, the Coushatta Casino Resort plans to open its $150 million expansion. The new facility is highlighted by a 204-room luxury hotel standing eight stories tall.

The new hotel will increase the number of on-site lodging to upwards of 1,000 guestrooms, with the current Grand Hotel, Seven Clans Hotel, and The Inn.

The undertaking additionally included renovating the property’s existing restaurants. The 100K-square-foot casino floor, fitted with over 2,000 slot machines and 55 live dealer table games, plus a sportsbook, also received a refreshing.  

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