The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s governing Tribal Council has voted to temporarily expel three members, after the trio accused tribal leaders of corruption in the media. The three members are prohibited from entering any Tribal school or government buildings for a period of 60 days.
Leaders decided to take action against the trio due to allegations the Tribe claims are false. The group said such claims could potentially “jeopardize the Tribe's gaming licenses.”
The conflict originated with federal money the Tribe received as part of the Covid-19 relief package. The Tribe organized a raffle during October 2021 and used $3m in relief money to “encourage Tribal members to get vaccinated.” A $1m grand prize was issued to the raffle winner.
Soon after the raffle ended, Laura Billie, a Tribal member, started a petition to “recall Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus Osceola, partly because the Tribe didn't publicly announce the winners in the drawing.” A rumor had been circulating that Osceola’s son won the top prize, even though he is a minor.
Both Billie and her cousin, Lesley, approached the Florida Bulldog last month and spoke about their concerns. Tribal member Virgil "Benny" Motlow made similar allegations of corruption against the Tribe in November via a post in the Native Sun News.
According to the Florida Bulldog report, Osceola has denied the corruption claims.
“A Tribal spokesperson told the Bulldog that winners were chosen at random via computer, but their names were not made public due to privacy requirements for health records,” the Florida Bulldog said in its report.
The Tribe said it will hold another meeting at the end of the week to determine if any additional action is needed, according to a report from a watchdog news organization.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida currently owns and operates the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The Tribe acquired the Hard Rock brand in 2007. Since Hard Rock’s founding, the brand has globally expanded to include more than 250 locations.
The Tribe also holds a gaming compact with the state, allowing it exclusive access and the ability to run certain types of gambling statewide.
