Tigua Leaders Hope Casino Plans Proceed

As reported by the El Paso Times: "Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff's guilty pleas Tuesday to three federal criminal charges and his agreement to cooperate with investigators were a good way to begin 2006 for Tigua leaders, who said they hope the development signals a brighter year for the struggling tribe.

"'Just imagine a staircase of justice and this is just barely the first step because there's more to come,' said Tigua Gov. Art Senclair.

"Abramoff, whom the Tiguas and several other tribes hired to lobby for gaming issues on Capitol Hill, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges and agreed to give investigators information for their criminal investigation into congressional corruption.

"…He admitted to defrauding four Indian tribes, including the Tiguas, and other clients; taking millions in kickbacks from one-time business partner Michael Scanlon; misusing a charity he established; and failing to pay income taxes on millions of ill- gotten gains.

"…The Tiguas paid $4.2 million to Scanlon and Abramoff, who said his connections in high Washington places could get federal legislation passed allowing the Tiguas to reopen the casino.

"Unknown by the tribe, Abramoff had paid lobbyist Ralph Reed millions to persuade Texas officials to close the casino in the first place…"