Devol & Associates Secures Major Victory for Fort Sill Apache Tribe in Federal Court
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - September 30, 2024 (11:47 AM CDT) - Devol & Associates, representing the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, has achieved a significant legal victory in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. In a ruling issued today in Comanche Nation v. United States Department of the Interior et al., Case No. CIV-22-425-G, the Court dismissed four of the six claims brought by the Comanche Nation against the Fort Sill Apache Tribe and federal defendants regarding the Warm Springs Casino.
The Court's decision represents a substantial win for the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, dismissing claims related to alleged violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, the First Treaty of Medicine Lodge, and challenges to the National Indian Gaming Commission's actions. Notably, the Court found that the Comanche Nation lacked standing to bring several of these claims, as their treaty rights were extinguished by the Act of 1900 which disestablished the Kiowa-Comanche-Apache Reservation.
While two claims under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and RICO will proceed, the Court's ruling significantly narrows the scope of the lawsuit and allows the Warm Springs Casino to continue operations during the litigation.
Valerie Devol, lead attorney for Devol & Associates, commented on the victory: "We are proud to have secured this important win for the Fort Sill Apache Tribe. This ruling affirms the Tribe's rights and the legitimacy of their gaming operations. As the Fort Sill Apache Tribe moves forward with the remaining aspects of this case, we wish them continued success."
The ruling also denied the Comanche Nation's motion for a preliminary injunction, finding they failed to demonstrate a substantial likelihood of success on the merits.
For more information, please contact:
Devol & Associates
15205 Traditions Lake Parkway
Edmond, OK 73013
405.225.2300
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