Legends Casinos Board of Directors Reinstated

The Legends Casino's board of directors was reinstated by the Yakama tribe after being removed nearly two years ago in Portland. Legends Casino's board of directors was allegedly overstepping its bounds and inappropriately spending.

The five members of the board said the removal was an effort to block an audit of casino operations that they had initiated, while the tribe has disputed the charges.

Board member Jake Mann is happy because the charges were reinstated last July 19, he said Tuesday August 1, the board didn't do anything wrong to the company.

He said, "I feel pretty good."

The Tribal Council voted 9-4 to remove the entire board October 2004. The members of the board was accused of hiring and firing duties, retaining attorneys, purchasing office furniture and making direct contributions to tribal programs without approval. The board, which oversees the casino management and daily operations entirely, was suspended.

After the suspension of the board given by the Tribal Council executives' officers Jerry Meninick, Virgil Lewis and Davis Washines assumed the boards's role, but a new board was never installed.

After the three Tribal Council executive officers were removed last year for pushing through, without membership approval, unauthorized purchases.