State prosecutors seek to close Tahlequah casino

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- State prosecutors are trying to close a Tahlequah casino, arguing that the business remains open only because of an improper order by a local judge.<br/><br/>Tuesday's motion

Wednesday, April 27th 2005, 5:36 am

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- State prosecutors are trying to close a Tahlequah casino, arguing that the business remains open only because of an improper order by a local judge.

Tuesday's motion to close the United Keetowah Band's casino claims a Cherokee County judge improperly granted the tribe's emergency request to prevent the state from closing it.

The casino has been in dispute for nearly five years because, unlike other tribal casinos in Oklahoma, it isn't on land put into trust for the tribe by the federal government.

That leaves federal regulators unable to monitor its activities. With the restraining order in place, Assistant Attorney General Charles Rogers says the state can't regulate it either.

Tribal attorneys claim the casino property is part of a dependent Indian community and therefore is legal.