Los Coyotes Band of Indians signed 2003 contract with casino partner Barronhaus LTD

In May 2003, before proponents of Indian Gaming in Barstow, CA went public with plans to develop an casino resort, the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians entered into an agreement to partner on such a casino with Barronhaus LTD, a Palm Desert based investor. Barronhaus LTD is backed by Barron Maisel and Gretchen Belli.

In June 2003, at a meeting of the Barstow City Council, Detroit-based Barwest LLC -- an entity controlled by Mrs. Marian Ilitch and her associate Michael J. Malik, Sr., -- announced plans to build a casino resort in partnership with the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. The City entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with Barwest LLC but had no agreement with the Los Coyotes Indians.

It is unclear if the Los Coyotes Indian tribe had any contract with Barwest LLC at that time. TVT has seen documents suggesting that the existing contract between LCB Barwest LLC and the Los Coyotes Band of Indians wasn't entered into until Spring 2005.

Contract between Barronhaus LTD and the Los Coyotes Band of Indians - May 2003

Letter terminating relationship between Barronhaus LTD and the Los Coyotes Band of Indians - October 2007