LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - An investigation into the alleged misuse of Coushatta casino funds by a former tribal chairman has been closed by Louisiana State Police.

State Police’s Indian Gaming Unit shuttered the investigation after the Coushatta Tribe elected not to pursue charges against Jonathan Cernek, according to a state police incident report obtained by KPLC.

The Indian Gaming Unit received allegations in October 2023 that Cernek used casino funds for personal use, according to the incident report.

Cernek resigned in August 2024.

State police turned the report over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and in October 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana declined charges against Cernek.

State police’s Indian Gaming Unit then opened its own i

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