Cedric Cromwell: A Former Tribal Leader’s Fall and the Future of a Casino Project
Cedric Cromwell, once at the helm of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe in Massachusetts, is preparing for sentencing this autumn following his guilty plea to federal tax offenses tied to a beleaguered casino initiative that is finally gaining momentum after years of setbacks.
The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts revealed on Friday that Cromwell, who formerly led the tribe and its gaming operations, admitted guilt to four counts of submitting erroneous tax returns. This is just one chapter in the protracted legal saga that has surrounded Cromwell and the tribe.
Cromwell failed to declare over $177,000 in income from 2014 to 2017, with a significant portion linked to the troubled First Light Resort and Casino project in Taunton. The rest of his undeclared earnings stemmed from other business ventures unrelated to the ongoing casino issues.
Sentencing is set for November 5, under US District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, where Cromwell could face up to three years in prison, a year of probation, and fines reaching $100,000 for each count. Additionally, Cromwell faces another layer of sentencing: three extortion-related charges and one conspiracy charge that had been dismissed but were reinstated in September 2024 by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Each of those charges could carry a hefty 20-year sentence, with substantial fines attached.
The Legal Storm: From Indictment to Conviction
Cromwell’s legal troubles began in November 2020 when he was indicted alongside David DeQuattro, CEO of the architectural firm RGB Architects. Prosecutors alleged that Cromwell colluded with DeQuattro to act as the "owner’s representative" for the casino project, receiving more than $57,000 in exchange for a lucrative contract. Additional unreported income from another architect further complicated the case.
Prosecutors also detailed gifts received by Cromwell, including both personal luxuries and vacations, which painted a picture of exploitation rather than genuine leadership.
In May 2022, both individuals were convicted of bribery, although the tax charges were separated from this initial trial. Following an appeal, Cromwell’s charges were reinstated, and he will now face sentencing on multiple fronts later this year.
The Tribe’s Ongoing Saga
While Cromwell navigates his legal battles, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has faced its own struggles in advancing the casino project. Achieving federal recognition in 2007, the tribe signed an agreement with Taunton in 2012 for a significant casino development, now known as First Light. However, over a decade of legal wrangling has kept the project largely stagnant.
In 2024, the tribe finally turned a corner in its legal battle, paving the way to commence construction of a temporary welcome center in Taunton, marking a new chapter of hope for the casino initiative.
A New Chapter in Casino Development
The complexity of the project is compounded by Genting, a major casino operator, acting as the project’s financial backer. Their partnership faced hurdles in prior years due to ongoing legal challenges, but recent developments signal a renewed commitment. Speaking at the opening of the temporary facility earlier this year, Genting’s Chief Strategy Officer emphasized the venue’s aim to introduce the public to the tribe’s cultural legacy and future casino plans.
Since its inception, the welcome center has proliferated from just 10 to now 50 gaming machines, with ambitions to expand to 250, pending city approval. The casino concept has evolved, with recent reports referencing the center outright as a casino, suggesting that the tribe’s aspirations may stretch beyond the originally outlined plans.
Conclusion: A Critical Crossroads
Cromwell’s legal reckoning and the tribe’s casino aspirations are deeply intertwined stories of potential and pitfalls. The outcome of Cromwell’s sentencing will not only affect his future but could also cast a long shadow over the tribe’s casino ambitions. As the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe steps cautiously into this new phase, the path they carve will bear witness to both the complex legacy of their past leadership and the promise of their future endeavors.