iePolitics is starting a series examining the influence of Indian gaming on politics and crime in San Bernardino County. We will detail its involvement with organized crime and the Mexican Mafia, the preferential treatment by San Bernardino County officials, and their political activities through political action committees, as well as report on some of the “incidents” involving the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians that go unreported by mainstream media.
Among the topics will be the relationship between Tribal Chief James Ramos and District Attorney Mike Ramos, the chaos with the tribal police whose captain happens to be the wife of Safety Employee Benefit Association President William Abernathie, and incidents with the Gaming Commission, most recently involving a physical assault by Tom Ramos, James’ brother.