Gambling's can of worms

Alabama Gambling Corruption; Gilley’s Can of Worms

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Posted by Chad Hills
The Alabama gambling-induced political corruption investigations and trials continue to open the lid on an ugly can of worms. The FBI probe and subsequent court hearings are finding that many strings are tied to County Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley. If the courts find Gilley guilty, he could be sentenced to jail after the April 4, 2011 trial.

According to the Associated Press, “[F]ormer gambling lobbyist [Jarrod Massey] now in federal prison outlined years of cash payments to one Alabama state legislator and a $1 million bribe to another Monday during his first court appearance since pleading guilty in a government corruption investigation….

“… Massey, wearing a yellow prison outfit, handcuffs and leg chains, said he paid $1,000 to $2,000 in cash monthly to former state Rep. Terry Spicer, D-Elba, for six or seven years in return for him helping Massey get lobbying clients, including Gilley, while Spicer was serving in the Legislature. Massey said he also gave Spicer $9,000 to buy a boat.

“…Massey and his former lobbying assistant, Jennifer Pouncey, have pleaded guilty and are cooperating with prosecutors. … ‘Ms. Pouncey had information about a number of offers made to members of the Legislature,’ he said.

“… Prosecutors are seeking to revoke Gilley’s bond because they say he tried to buy Massey’s and Pouncey’s silence by offering them a financial interest in the now-closed Country Crossing casino in Dothan …”

It’s another reminder for state officials not to dip their hands into big gambling, no matter how big the false promises for revenue may be. Greedy gambling interests eventually corrupt good governments.