Jonathan Cernek, former chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Indian Gaming Commission, and the Louisiana State Police for the alleged misuse of tribal casino credit cards.
Cernek served as tribal chairman from June 2021 until his resignation in August 2024. Prior to his tenure as chairman, he spent eight years on the Tribal Council, including time as vice chairman.
A source familiar with the tribe’s internal operations spoke with Native News Online on Tuesday and revealed being questioned by the FBI for approximately three hours. The source reported having knowledge of at least $350,000 in personal charges made on two casino credit cards allegedly used by Cernek. These expenses, the source said, were unrelated to the operation of the Coushatta Casino Resort.
According to the source, the FBI has been actively investigating the case in the Lake Charles area. Several current and recently departed Tribal Council members are also reportedly under scrutiny.
The source indicated that the credit card spending in question occurred during a $150 million expansion project at the Coushatta Casino Resort.
At least seven individuals with direct knowledge of the alleged financial misconduct have reportedly been named to federal investigators.
“This is a big deal. People are talking about it,” a former employee told Native News Online on Thursday. “It was difficult to stomach what was happening, especially because the chairman was doing good things for tribal elders.”
Requests for comment from the FBI and the National Indian Gaming Commission have not been returned as of press time.
This is a developing story.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Tlingit & Haida Launch New Foundation to Support Education, Wellness
Michigan Attorney General Opens Criminal Investigation into Indian Boarding Schools
Next on Native Bidaské: Julian Brave NoiseCat on the Lumbee Nation’s 140-Year Fight for Federal Recognition
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
