Seneca tribal member and former casino opponent Susan P. Abrams has been accused of possible illegal activity that could rise to the level of extortion, according to a Seneca watchdog agency and Seneca Gaming Corp. counsel Barry W. Brandon.

Abrams, who fought tribal gaming in the 1990s as a member of Senecas Against Casinos and Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County, now works as tribal operations manager for Seneca treasurer Jacqueline Bowen. Her attempt to get a $2 million contract from the architect of the Buffalo Creek Casino, according to the watchdog agency, "may constitute illegal activity."

According to the Buffalo News, Abrams demanded 2 percent-or $2 million-from SOSH Architects of Atlantic City, architect of the Buffalo Creek Casino, because SOSH lacked a Seneca partner.

Brandon said in a letter that Abrams apparently "was expecting to be paid a fee because she is Seneca and for no other apparent reason."

He urged Seneca Gaming "to stop this behavior and to ensure that our vendors are not required to comply with these unscrupulous attempts at extortion."

Abrams denied any wrongdoing, and is now filing a lawsuit "against certain parties involved in the continued attempt to unduly injure me with unsubstantiated statements, information and opinions not based on facts or truth."

By Staff

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