SEMINOLE Nation suspends principal chief

<br>WEWOKA, Okla. (AP) _ Citing violations of tribal law, the Seminole Nation's governing council has suspended Principal Chief Jerry Haney without pay. <br><br>The council has asked the U.S. Inspector

Tuesday, June 26th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WEWOKA, Okla. (AP) _ Citing violations of tribal law, the Seminole Nation's governing council has suspended Principal Chief Jerry Haney without pay.

The council has asked the U.S. Inspector General's office to ``review all financial documents pertaining to use of program funds.''

Vice Chief James Factor will take over Haney's duties.

Tribal officials would not comment on what tribal funds they want investigated or why.

The tribe operates a casino on Oklahoma 99 and Interstate 40.

Federal regulators and prosecutors have accused the Seminoles of operating illegal Class III games at their gaming sites.

Class III games are games of chance. The tribe contends they are Class II games, or games of skill, which are legal.

The National Indian Gaming Commission ordered the tribe to provide 1999 and 2000 audits of its gaming operations or face heavy fines.