Ex-Douglas County deputy among suspects in casino takeover

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RENO — A former Douglas County sheriff’s deputy is among three Nevadans named as fugitive suspects in the armed takeover of a tribal casino in California last month.

The U.S. Marshall’s office in Reno identified the Nevadans Tuesday as 38-year-old Brian Auchenbach of Gardnerville, 46-year-old Timothy Tofaute and 35-year-old David Dixon, both of Sparks.

Authorities say the three have extensive experience in the military, private security and firearms testing, and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Tofaute is a former Navy Seal. Auchenbach was a Marine before becoming a deputy.

They’re among 15 suspects in the Oct. 9 takeover of the Chukchansi Indian Resort and Casino in Coarsegold.

They’re accused of kidnapping, false imprisonment and assault with a deadly weapon in what investigators say is part of a power struggle between tribal factions.