Tex McDonald has been released from jail

One of the men who led a takeover attempt at the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino is out of jail today.

Tex McDonald made a deal after spending 242 days in jail. He was arrested last year after he led a group of armed men into the casino. It ultimately led to the casino being shut down by federal regulators. It remains closed today.

In court yesterday, McDonald pleaded no contest to a felony. The judge then threw out McDonald’s two prior felonies from the 90’s. Legal analyst Charles Magill says this recent charge is not a violent crime.

"I think the court looked behind the felony charge asked what the evidence was about that, and that’s the reason why the court was willing to ignore the priors and basically give him credit for time served," Magill said.

Fifteen people were involved in the Chukchansi Casino take over. Most have already struck deals lowering their charges to misdemeanors.