Jury deliberations have begun in the Alabama Gambling Corruption trial with the conclusion of the closing arguments by both the defense and the prosecution. The fate of four former and current state senators and a casino owner accused in an alleged scheme to buy and sell votes on pro gambling legislation now is in the hands of 12 jurors who will be sequestered in deliberations until a verdict is reached.
Just to recap, provided below is an Associated Press summary of the defendants and their charges:
Milton McGregor, 72, of Montgomery, owner of VictoryLand casino in Shorter and a financial backer of Country Crossing casino in Dothan. Charged with one count of conspiracy, five counts of bribery and 11 counts of honest services fraud.
-Thomas E. Coker, 71, of Lowndesboro, lobbyist for McGregor. Charged with one count of conspiracy, two counts of bribery, and 11 counts of honest services fraud.
-Robert E. “Bob” Geddie Jr., 61, of Montgomery, lobbyist for McGregor. Charged with one count of conspiracy, 11 counts of honest services fraud, and one count of obstruction of justice.
-Harri Anne Smith, 49, of Slocomb, state senator. Charged with one count of conspiracy, two counts of bribery, one count of extortion, 11 counts of honest services fraud, and four counts of money laundering.
-Larry Means, 64, of Attalla, former state senator. Charged with one count of conspiracy, two counts of bribery, two counts of attempted extortion, and 11 counts of honest services fraud.
-James E. “Jim” Preuitt, 76, of Talladega, former state senator. Charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of bribery, one count of attempted extortion, and 11 counts of honest services fraud.
-Quinton Ross Jr., 42, of Montgomery, state senator. Charged with one count of conspiracy, two counts of bribery, two counts of attempted extortion, and 11 counts of honest services fraud.
-Jarrell W. “Jay” Walker Jr., 37, of Lanett, public relations spokesman for Gilley. Charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of bribery and 11 counts of honest services fraud.
-Joseph Raymond “Ray” Crosby, 62, of Montgomery, former legislative analyst for the Legislative Reference Service. Charged with one count of bribery.
The defense only called one witness to the stand during their presentation, a move that showed they were confident that the prosecution didn’t provide enough evidence to gain convictions. That is now up to the jury to decide.
