Alabama: State Rep. got concert tickets, $9,000 boat

Massey: State Representative got concert tickets, $9,000 boat
Written by Brian Lyman

A former lobbyist testifying in a trial over alleged corruption in the passage of pro-gambling legislation said he helped a former state representative purchase a $9,000 boat and gave him concert and football tickets.

Jarrod Massey, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges and is testifying for the government, said under cross-examination that helped former Rep. Terry Spicer, D-Elba, pay for a $9,000 boat, and also gave him tickets to BamaJam and Alabama and Auburn games. Massey also said he allowed Spicer to use his Capitol Club card.

Asked by attorney Susan James if he provided Spicer with a "bus, limo and alcohol" on the way those events, Massey said they were family trips that Spicer joined.

Spicer is not one of the defendants, but his name has come up repeatedly in the trial. Massey had earlier testified he paid Spicer up to $2,000 a month for referring potential clients to him.

Massey also testified that former Sen. Jim Preuitt, alleged to have been offered $100,000 and the appearance of a country music star at his Talladega car dealership in exchange for his vote on a bill that would have allowed voters to decide whether to legalize bingo, was never given those things