Published on: October 24, 2025, 08:10h.
Updated on: October 24, 2025, 08:11h.
- A federal inquiry into the Coushatta Casino Resort is currently underway.
- Accusations have emerged against the tribe’s former chairman for utilizing the casino’s credit card for personal expenses.
Louisiana’s most prominent casino is facing a federal probe, with the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) investigating claims of fraud linked to the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder.
In May, Casino.org disclosed that federal and state law enforcement, including the Louisiana State Police, are looking into accusations that former Coushatta Tribe Chairman Jonathan Cernek misused a casino credit card to cover personal costs linked to his home construction. Cernek resigned abruptly on August 9, 2024, after more than a decade of leadership within the tribe.
Todd Stewart, a seasoned professional in the gaming sector with extensive financial experience, began his role at Coushatta during the COVID-19 pandemic. He played a crucial role in helping the tribe secure a $150 million construction loan from Wells Fargo for enhancing and expanding the casino’s hotel facilities.
Initially serving as the casino’s chief financial officer, Stewart was elevated to general manager in January 2022.
The Scapegoat Accusation?
Well before Coushatta procured its loan, federal agencies were wary of potential fraudulent activities at the highest levels of the tribe. Following a complaint received by the NIGC and subsequent independent financial audits, suspicions emerged regarding the misallocation of funds, implicating Cernek and possibly other significant tribal officials.
The NIGC mandated a leave of absence for Stewart, along with the suspension of his gaming license. This action followed allegations that he had failed to promptly disclose the potential misuse of tribal resources.
No longer associated with Coushatta, Stewart is now defending his actions. He informed the Louisiana Illuminator that he discovered the alleged financial misuse in November 2023 when he received invoices labeled for “bathroom fixtures,” showing Cernek’s residence as the delivery location.
Stewart asserts he promptly alerted tribal officials, including the Coushatta Tribal Council, and confronted Cernek, which he claims led to threats against his job from the then-chairman.
“During my time with the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, I have executed my responsibilities with utmost professionalism and collaborated with stakeholders for the benefit of the Coushatta Casino Resort. This has characterized my time there,” Stewart stated to the Illuminator.
In a recent communication, Shawna Castellano, a regional director with the NIGC, indicated that Stewart did not communicate the financial inconsistencies to outside auditors nor address these issues with Wells Fargo during its deliberations on the $150 million loan.
Stewart is now claiming he is being used as a scapegoat.
“It seems there is an effort to hold me, a non-tribal member, responsible for the wrongful actions of the chairman, who is a tribal member,” Stewart expressed to the Illuminator.
The 2023 audit findings noted 338 transactions with missing receipts, totaling $111,697.
Federal authorities have not publicly commented on the continuing investigation.
Upcoming Expansion Plans
This coming spring, the Coushatta Casino Resort is set to unveil its $150 million expansion project, which will feature a luxurious new hotel of 204 rooms, standing eight stories tall.
The addition will increase the total number of guest accommodations to over 1,000, integrating with the existing Grand Hotel, Seven Clans Hotel, and The Inn.
This project also encompasses the renovation of the current dining establishments. The casino floor, which spans 100K square feet, is equipped with over 2,000 slot machines and 55 live dealer table games, in addition to a sportsbook, all of which have been upgraded.