Alabama: Judge: No dismissals

Judge: No dismissals in Ala. gambling corruption trial
By John Shryock

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The federal gambling corruption trial will continue in downtown Montgomery. Thursday morning, Judge Myron Thompson declined all motions for acquittal and dismissal of charges against all defendants.

The decision means all charges against Macon County casino owner Milton McGregor and eight other defendants are upheld, for now..

Federal prosecutors believe the defendants schemed to buy and sell votes on legislation to allow gambling in Alabama.

Thompson, presiding of a trial in its eighth week, admitted he has reservations about some of the charges in the 39-count indictment and some concerns about some of the defendants in the trial.

The judge said he will rule on the conspiracy charges at the end of the presentation of evidence.

The prosecution rested its case on Tuesday. Wednesday was spent hearing arguments from the defense on why many charges should be thrown out. The jury was not present during that time.

The defense now gets its chance to present its case.

CLICK HERE to visit WSFA.COM's page dedicated to this trial.