Indian Gaming > Opponents of Soboba casino indicted for corruption

November 23, 2009

Opponents of Soboba casino indicted for corruption

Four city council members in San Jacinto, California, have been indicted as part of a sweeping 155-count indictment into government corruption, tax fraud, bribery and perjury.

The four have consistently opposed plans by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians to move the Soboba Casino to a new location. A fifth council member -- who wants to work with the tribe on the issue -- is the only one who wasn't indicted.

Steve Di Memmo, who says his indicted colleagues should resign, helped the Soboba Band prepare for its annual toy drive last week. "He's really involved in the community," tribal council member Rose Salgado told The Riverside Press-Enterprise.

The tribe's land-into-trust application is pending at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Get the Story:
Sole unindicted San Jacinto councilman looks ahead, not back (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 11/23)