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Former chairman of the Quapaw Nation John Berrey’s bid to regain political power lies in tatters today. That’s following the tribe’s decision to disqualify him from seeking re-election as tribal vice-president.
John Berrey has been accused of corruption and embezzlement and kicked out of the election process. He went on the offensive this week. (Image: Arkansas Business)
Berrey led the Nation for 20 years, presiding over its economic transformation into a major player in Oklahoma’s tribal gaming industry. But he faces criminal complaints in the Quapaw Tribal Court, where he is accused of multiple counts of conspiracy, theft, and abuse of office.
Jun. 13—QUAPAW, Okla. — Former longtime Quapaw Nation Chairman John L. Berrey and the tribal business committee remain at odds. The Quapaw Nation Business Committee recently voted to disqualify Berrey, who was ousted as chairman in an election in 2020, as a candidate for vice chairman this year. "I think it clearly shows that the Quapaw Nation Business Committee is terrified of me winning and .
Former Quapaw Nation Chairman John Berrey.
Former Quapaw Tribal Chairman John Berrey was barred from running from office by the Tribal Nation s Business Committee. The decision was made earlier this week after someone challenged his run for vice-chairman in the upcoming elections.
Berrey was the Quapaw Nation s chairman for 20 years until he lost last summer to newcomer Joseph Byrd. Then, a few months later, information from an audit alleged Berrey gave bonuses and pay raises totaling in the millions to himself and others without approval from the Business Committee.
Berrey, along with former secretary treasurer Tamara Smiley Reeves filed a defamation suit in Cleveland County District Court in February 2021 against Byrd and others on the Business Committee. The suit was dismissed, and Berrey is facing 11 criminal charges including embezzlement and conspiracy in Quapaw Nation tribal court. He could face disenrollment from the Tribal Nation if he is convicted.
Quapaw committee denies comeback attempt by former tribal leader
Quapaw committee denies comeback attempt by former tribal leader
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This is the latest chapter in a saga that began with Berrey’s re-election defeat last year and subsequent allegations by the new leaders of misspending by Berrey as he led the Nation’s successful drive to expand casino gambling in Arkansas and establishment of the Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff. He has disputed the allegations.