NETT LAKE– Former Fortune Bay CEO Gary Gotchnik has resigned following allegations of credit card misuse that have since been forwarded to federal authorities for investigation.

Reservation sources informed the Timberjay that the tribal council accepted Gotchnik’s resignation on Jan. 20, after Fortune Bay employees discovered the alleged financial improprieties and referred their concerns to the Tribal Council. But tribal officials kept news of the resignation mostly under wraps for weeks, which had upset some Band members who were familiar with the situation and wanted the full story released.

On Tuesday, the Timberjay had informed tribal officials that it could not hold off reporting the story any longer and asked for some official comment. Four hours later, the Band issued a press statement confirming what the Timberjay had already learned from numerous other sources.

According to the statement issued by the Band, the Tribal Council took “immediate steps to prevent further loss, secure evidence and initiate a comprehensive review of all credit card transactions at Fortune Bay, including those involving Mr. Gotchnik. As a result of that review, it was determined that no other employee or official had engaged in improper transactions.”

Following the allegations, tribal officials immediately revoked Gotchnik’s gaming license and he was suspended from employment without pay. Shortly thereafter, he resigned.

In its statement, the Council emphasized that the integrity of gaming at Fortune Bay was not compromised and at no time was there danger of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal activities in the conduct of gaming. “The Council has directed staff to cooperate fully in the Federal investigation and will have no further comment pending completion of the investigation,” concluded the press statement.

Gotchnik, who lives in Ely, had been CEO at Fortune Bay for several years prior to his resignation. Gotchnik did not return a phone message seeking comment for this story.