Ronnie Gilley Takes Stand in Bingo Corruption Trial

Ronnie Gilley Takes Stand in Bingo Corruption Trial
Reported by: Scott Packard
[video available on link]

MONTGOMERY, Ala, - (WIAT) Several defense attorneys spoke on their way into the federal courthouse Friday-- but there was really just one message.

"He'll have a great task to try to convince people to believe him," Senator Quinton Ross' attorney, Lewis Gills said as he and his client made their way inside.“Ronnie's a con, he's dishonest, he's not trustworthy. That's not the last time you are going to hear that." Milton McGregor's attorney, Joe Espy said minutes later.

Attorneys for some of the major players in the federal corruption case say the government's star witness simply can't be trusted.

Ronnie Gilley, developer of the now defunct Country Crossing bingo casino in Houston County, has admitted he bribed lawmakers in an attempt to pass pro gambling legislation.

Friday Gilley testified he worked with Senator Harri Anne Smith to filter money into her campaign. In exchange, Gilley says Smith agreed to support the bill.

Prosecutors spent a lot of time trying to link Gilley's admitted crimes to Victoryland owner Milton McGregor.

Gilley testified he worked with McGregor in an attempt to buy the favorable vote of Senator Scott Beason. They didn't know Beason was recording the conversations as part of an FBI investigation.

Gilley says both he and McGregor were willing to do whatever it took to get Beason on board. They're claims McGregor’s attorney strongly disputes.

"He's selling. It's like he's at a carnival. wait until we get to him," Espy said.
The prosecution says they will finish questioning Gilley Monday morning. Defense attorneys are expected to being cross examination that afternoon.