Downstream Development Authority News Today

QUAPAW, Okla. – New criminal charges are filed against several former Quapaw Nation leaders, accusing them of taking unauthorized bonuses worth millions of dollars. Jack Brill, II, 54, a Neosho, Missouri-based attorney and former Downstream Casino Resort attorney, is accused of orchestrating the payment of $2.343 million to former Quapaw Nation officials, John Berrey, Merlin […]

QUAPAW, Okla. - Prosecutors file new charges against three former Quapaw Nation officials.

A group in Arkansas that wants to ask state voters to repeal a lone commercial gaming license earmarked for Pope County.

The Quapaw Nation's Downstream Casino in northeastern Oklahoma serves as the gateway to Indian Country in Oklahoma. The casino was supposed to be a sound investment for the tribal nation. But, records show a loan for the development had a high interest rate and cut into profits.

A refinancing of $300 million in debt related to construction of the Downstream Casino and Resort in far northeastern Oklahoma should yield immediate benefits for members of the Quapaw Nation, the tribe said.

Casino opponents in Arkansas are hoping to repeal Pope County from being included as a legal gambling destination.

/ At the annual General Council meeting in October 2020, Quapaw citizens could be heard gasping in disbelief as figures from a forensic audit were released and presented to the crowd of nearly 100. The Quapaw Nation celebrated success, and in new business announced the Downstream Development Authority (DDA), was being dissolved. Former Tribal Chairman John Berrey and several others in his administration were being publicly accused of misspending more than $34 million. Berrey alone is alleged to...

Former Quapaw Nation Chairman John Berrey. Credit Quapaw Nation The charges were filed in Quapaw Nation Court on Friday, one day before citizens could officially declare their candidacy in the upcoming election for the Business Committee. Berrey, a 20 year incumbent, was defeated last summer by Joseph Tali Byrd and Guy Barker.   In addition to the charges against Berrey and Smiley-Reeves, civil charges were also filed against Jack Brill, Tena Smith, Janet Cummings, Sheri Smiley, Marilyn Rogers...

Quapaw Nation charges former leader and others with embezzlement Quapaw Nation charges former leader and others with embezzlement JOHN BERREY: Former Quapaw leader charged with embezzlement. The Quapaw Nation, owner of the Saracen casino in Pine Bluff, announced today criminal charges and a civil complaint against John Berrey, the former leader of the tribe, and other former tribal officials for misspending millions for unauthorized pay and bonuses and using casino proceeds for personal purp...

The Arkansas Supreme Court is supposed to provide impartial resolutions to legal disputes. But the state’s highest court this week only added more legal complexity to an already complicated case involving a casino license in Pope County. The Arkansas Supreme Court, seen here in a recent gathering of the justices, has weighed in on the casino license earmarked for Pope County. The high court’s ruling, however, will only complicate matters more. (Image: Arkansas Supreme Court) In a unanimous ...