Page 2 - Downstream Development Authority News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

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 have received $17 million in bonuses. On Friday, April 16, 2021, Berrey was charged in Quapaw Natio...

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 and George McWatters. All were employees or involved in Berrey's administration. Special prosecutor...

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 purposes. Advertisement Berrey, who was ousted as tribal leader last year and planned to seek tribal off...

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 decision issued today, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that the Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) ha...