In Oklahoma, Muscogee (Creek) citizen Stephen “Bim” Bruner entered a not guilty plea during his recent arraignment at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation District Court. Bruner was charged with possession of unlicensed gambling devices and maintaining an unlicensed gambling premise following an August raid on his property in Broken Arrow. Police raided Bruner’s property after he ignored warnings from the MCN and the National Indian Gaming Commission that he and his associates cease ongoing efforts to operate a gaming facility on the site.
In early June, Bruner had received a letter from MCN stating action could be taken if actions related to unlicensed gaming continued on the property. “Mr. Bruner and others associated with the facility have repeatedly described it as a restaurant and bar and stated that the conduct of gaming at the facility was merely a possibility. It recently came to the attention of officials at the Nation that actions related to the purchase/lease of Class II gaming machines as well as cash counting and surveillance equipment associated with the operation of a gaming facility had been taken. The Nation and its agencies will pursue any and all available means necessary to prevent the conduct of unlicensed gaming within the Nation’s jurisdiction and will involve any other regulatory body or law enforcement agency required to do so.”
Bruner’s attorney stated the criminal classification needed to be clarified and also inquired whether his client was charged with felonies or misdemeanors according to tribal law. MCN District Court Judge Gregory Bigler asked the defense to file any motions pertaining to classification by October 30. The prosecutor has until November 20 to respond.
Bruner issued a statement maintaining his innocence and denying any wrongdoing. It read, in part, “The Muscogee Creek Nation is attempting to ruin my good name and prosecute me simply because they are in a jurisdictional disagreement with the Kialegee Tribal Town.”
