Casino Developer Expense Account Leaked

As reported by the Hesperia Star: "Mayor Jim Lindley is one of several Hesperians listed as receiving funds from the Rinaldo Corporation, the Chicago-based company attempting to develop a casino in Hesperia.

"Lindley's name appears in a two-page file apparently excerpted from an August internal financial document. The file was posted online at Timbisha.com, a private site run by members of the Timbisha Shoshone tribe, the tribe that has been working with Rinaldo to build a casino near the intersection of Main Street and Interstate 15.

"Lindley's entry appears on the second page of the document and reads 'Jim Lindley (22) (Lobby)' and indicates he was paid $3,000 prior to July 15, 2005.

"…Politicians often take campaign donations from businesses within their jurisdiction.

"…But it was different with the Rinaldo Corporation, [Lindley] said.

" 'The reason it's inappropriate is because there's so much controversy surrounding [the casino]. It's legal, certainly, but I just felt it's inappropriate, so I sent it back'," he said…"