Feds Probe Ex-Coushatta Tribal Chief for Casino Card Spending

The FBI is looking into Jonathan Cernek, who used to lead the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, about claims he misused casino credit cards while in charge. The National Indian Gaming Commission and the Louisiana State Police are helping with this investigation.

Former Coushatta Chairman Under Federal Scrutiny for Alleged $350K Casino Spending

Cernek occupied the chairman role from June 2021 until he stepped down in August 2024. People think he spent hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for the tribe’s casino operations on himself. Before he became chairman, Cernek had been on the Tribal Council for over ten years, including a stint as vice chairman.

A person familiar with internal tribal affairs told investigators that Cernek used two casino credit cards to spend at least $350,000 on non-official expenses. This same person talked to Native News Online, saying they had a long chat with federal agents that went on for about three hours. These financial issues happened while the Coushatta Casino Resort was going through a $150 million growth project.

The timing of the claimed wrongdoing coincides with big changes at the resort, including building a new eight-story hotel to increase visitor numbers and draw in regional tourists. Cernek had earlier talked up the expansion, pointing out how it could make stays better for guests and create more jobs.

Federal Probe Expands to Include Multiple Tribal Council Members

Federal agents are also looking into how several current and former Tribal Council members might be involved. Sources say authorities have pinpointed at least seven people who know firsthand about what is going on as part of their ongoing investigation.

A former employee says the news has caused a stir in the tribal community. People gave Cernek credit for programs that helped tribal elders, but the claims of money misuse have left many feeling let down. The unnamed person stated they had thought things were improving, but struggled to square that idea with the accusations now coming to light. They found it hard to make sense of the situation given these contrasting viewpoints. 

The FBI and the National Indian Gaming Commission have not said anything about the case. Tribal spokespeople have not answered questions from the press either. As of May 2025, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is looking for a new chairman after Jonathan Cernek resigned in August 2024. Cernek quit during the investigation into his possible misuse of tribal casino money. His departure left the position empty, and the tribe is now working through the election process to pick a new leader.