Lobbyist pleads guilty in Alabama gambling probe

Lobbyist pleads guilty in Alabama gambling probe

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The lobbyist for a shuttered Alabama casino has admitted his firm offered millions to legislators in exchange for support for pro-gambling legislation.

Jarrod Massey pleaded guilty Monday in the corruption probe that has resulted in charges against a dozen lawmakers, lobbyists and casino developers. His assistant previously pleaded guilty.

Massey, the lobbyist for the Country Crossing casino in Dothan, pleaded guilty in court to one count of conspiracy and five counts of bribery.

A lawyer for Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley says his client never authorized any bribes and trusted the lobbyist to operate ethically.

Massey's plea agreement says he offered a state senator $1 million for a favorable vote, and he authorized his assistant to tell the lawmaker as much as $2 million of Gilley's money was available.