Audit finds Coushatta Tribe credit card purchases lacked receipts

An independent audit of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana found leadership failed to document more than $100,000 in credit card charges over a two-month period in 2024, according to Louisiana Illuminator. The review by the SJT Group of Albuquerque, New Mexico, reported 344 transactions without receipts, totaling $105,416, and noted 167 purchases with no business documentation to explain $100,254 in charges.

Tribal policy requires receipts for any purchase over $50 and expense reports for travel-related charges. In response, the tribal council said it has eliminated council credit cards and adopted new reimbursement policies. Tribal secretary and treasurer Kristian Poncho will complete a review of credit card policies by the end of September, according to the tribe’s statement. The findings follow the August 2024 resignation of former chairman Jonathan Cernek, who news outlets reported is under federal and state investigation.