Alabama: Gambling corruption trial starts 5th wk

Gambling corruption trial starts 5th wk

By PHILLIP RAWLS Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama's gambling corruption trial has started its fifth week with an FBI agent testifying about his role in helping lead the investigation.

Agent John McEachern returned to the witness stand Tuesday morning in federal court in Montgomery. He is being questioned by a defense lawyer for state Sen. Quinton Ross about wiretap recordings where Ross asked VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor for campaign contributions. Defense attorney Lewis Gillis says the calls were routine fundraising requests in preparation for Ross' re-election campaign.

Attorneys say Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley will be back on the witness stand when the FBI agent finishes.

Gilley's testimony was interrupted last week when he became sick with a virus. Gilley has pleaded guilty in the case and is helping the prosecution.