Gilley’s Gone

A federal judge in Montgomery, Ala., recently sentenced a casino developer, his onetime lobbyist and a former state legislator to prison terms for their roles in a scheme to buy votes on gambling legislation in the Alabama statehouse.

Developer Ronnie Gilley was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison. Lobbyist Jarrod Massey and former state Rep. Terry Spicer got close to five.

Gilley and Massey pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery charges involving offering millions to legislators to support pro-gambling legislation. Gilley must forfeit $200,000 to the government.

Gilley developed the ill-fated Country Crossing, a country music-themed development in Dothan, Ala., that included an outdoor stage.

The resort, backed by country stars George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Darryl Worley, Tracy Lawrence and John Anderson, broke ground March 2009.

The complex was to feature the Jones-themed Possum Holler Bed and Breakfast, Lorrie Morgan’s Hot Chicken Café, Worley’s Worley Bird Café, Tracey Lawrence BBQ and John Anderson Buffet along with retail shops, RV park, hotels and a bowling center.

A state anti-gambling task force motivated the closure of the park in 2010.