The 11 defendants in an alleged scheme to buy votes in support of electronic gaming in the state pleaded not guilty in federal court on Friday. The judge set a trial date for April 4.
Casino owners Milton McGregor and Ronnie Gilley; state Sens. Quinton Ross, Harri Anne Smith, Larry Means and Jim Preuitt; lobbyists
The federal government is charging them with alleged widespread corruption to buy and sell votes for legislation that would have legalized and taxed electronic gaming in the state. Their effort to pass the legislation appeared to intensify as a task force assembled by Gov. Bob Riley began to crack down on facilities including McGregors VictoryLand in Shorter and Gilleys Country Crossing near Dothan.
The government, at least in its 65-page indictment, appears to rely heavily on wiretapped conversations between the defendants and other legislators and officials who favored the legislation or who they were trying to move in that direction.
The attorneys for the 11 reminded the media the charges are exactly that allegations by the government. They pledged that they will prove their clients innocence at trial.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|