Vote-Buying Trial One Step Closer

Country Crossing owner Ronnie Gilley could testify against gambling corruption case defendants


[UPDATE: Ronnie Gilley pleads guilty in bingo case: 'I'm sorry, I'm wrong, and my plea is guilty.']

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Country Crossing owner Ronnie Gilley is expected to plead guilty today in a bingo vote-buying case, setting him up potentially to be a key witness against the remaining defendants.

Prosecutors alleged Gilley, McGregor and their lobbyists offered legislators millions of dollars in campaign contributions, a $1 million-a-year job and other election-year assistance in exchange for critical yes votes on the gambling bill.

Gilley originally was released on bond but he has been in jail since early February after a federal judge revoked his release. Prosecutors alleged Gilley tried to buy Massey's silence and entice Massey not to cooperate with federal investigators.