Alabama: 2nd corruption defendant wants separate trial

Sen. Smith seeks separate trial in gambling probe


MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A second defendant in Alabama's gambling corruption investigation is seeking a separate trial.

State Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb filed a request for a separate trial Wednesday. She and the other nine defendants are scheduled for trial April 4 in Montgomery. But her attorney, Jim Parkman, says most of the charges against the other defendants don't involve Smith and she could be damaged by information on their cases spilling over on her.

VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor was the first to seek a separate trial. A judge has not ruled on either request.

All 10 defendants are accused of buying and selling votes on pro-gambling legislation.