Former Chitimacha chairman exonerated

After a five-year battle, former Chitimacha Chairman O’Neal Darden has been exonerated of all charges.
He was found not guilty of felony theft when employed at Cypress Bayou Casino. Also charged were Cypress Bayou’s chief financial officer and Montie Spivey were charged with felony theft, computer fraud and obstruction of justice.
“I’m thankful that this is done and I can look forward down the road,” Darden said. “My wife and family are also thankful and looking forward to moving beyond this.”
Patrone was quoted by media, “Although justice was delayed by nearly five years, thankfully it was not denied. It took some time, but it was heartened to see that Chairman Darden was completely vindicated at trial. To echo the words used by one of the presiding judges, the entire episode was a travesty.”
Darden was falsely accused of conspiring with Patrone and Spivey to receive an annual bonus as a casino employee.