Traficant claims progress on Indian casino for Mahoning County

Indian gambling casinos aren’t permitted in the Mahoning Valley under state or federal law, but that’s not stopping ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., a convicted felon.

Traficant, an independent candidate for the 17th Congressional District, is touting his involvement in helping to transfer ownership for $1 of more than 20 acres of land in North Jackson to two Indian nations.

In a prepared statement, Traficant said today that he acted as an “agent” for the Itana [Indigenous Tribal Affiliates of Native America] Indian Nation and Munsee Delaware Indian Nation USA to buy the property for what he claims will be a hotel, convention center and casino.

“There is still a process to be undertaken,” Traficant said in the prepared statement. “But the project is under way and moving forward.”

But it’s not that easy.

Only federally-recognized tribes can apply for a federal gaming license, and there are [no such tribes] in Ohio, said Ted Hart, an Ohio attorney general spokesman.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com