Gambling Corruption Trial Moves Forward

Three country music stars are on witness lists revealed June 6 during jury selection for the federal gambling corruption trial of former Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley and five others in Alabama.

Lorrie Morgan, George Jones and Alabama frontman Randy Owen are included as potential character witnesses because they were involved with the now-defunct Country Crossing entertainment complex in Dothan. The three were also said to support the proposed “Sweet Home Alabama” gambling legislation.

Opening statements are expected to begin June 9.

Gilley, VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor and four current and former state senators are accused of trying to bribe legislators to back a bill that would make electronic bingo machines legal in the state. Gov. Bob Riley deemed the machines illegal slots last year and formed a gambling task force to shut down casinos using them.

The Country Crossing development, which had about 1,700 machines on the premises, shut down in early 2010 because of the threat of task force raids.

Gilley pleaded guilty April 22 to 11 counts including conspiracy, bribery involving public officials and money laundering, and reportedly agreed to assist the prosecution.

Under terms of the plea deal, Gilley could face more than 20 years in prison and owe hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines when he is sentenced Nov. 15.