11 people may face criminal charges in Chukchansi casino takeover

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A federal judge could determine how soon the doors at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino can reopen to the public at a special hearing on Wednesday.

But now another legal battle which could take place in a Madera County courtroom in which more than 10 people may face criminal charges.

Madera County Sheriff deputies studied surveillance video frame by frame before they made the recommendation to the District Attorney's office to file felony charges against at least 11 people identified on tape. Now it's up the district attorney to decide what if any charges will hold up in a courtroom.

"We take the investigation reports from the agency and we examine the case to see what evidence is available to support what criminal charges after we do the examination if criminal charges are appropriate we will prepare a complaint and file that with a superior court," said Michael Keitz.

Keitz says it could take days before his office presses any charges.

Reggie Lewis who heads one faction of the tribe fighting for leadership says the other group led by Tex McDonald who stormed the casino on October 9th should have already been held criminally accountable.

"I think it's about time they did that because just from the video surveillance I was able to see and the people who were on the scene they felt something should have been done that night," said Lewis.

In a separate legal battle the state's attorney general Kamala Harris is asking a federal judge to keep the casino shut longer. In court papers prosecutors say it's clear from the evidence an armed invasion of the casino endangers the safety of its patrons, employees, the general public, tribal members and law enforcement personnel.

Last week both sides began settlement negotiations but no deal has been reached.

Tex McDonald's supporters say the fight at the casino was actually caused by guards who worked for Reggie Lewis and have separate video which they say proves it. Action News was not able to reach McDonald for a comment for this story. Both sides are expected in federal court at 9am on Wednesday morning.

More than 1,000 people who worked at the casino have been laid off since the casino closed.