Judge says no acquittals in Alabama gambling case

Judge says no acquittals in Alabama gambling case
Associated Press

MONTGOMERY — A federal judge has refused to acquit the seven defendants in Alabama’s gambling corruption case, including former State Sen. Larry Means, D-Attalla.

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson on Tuesday issued an order denying the seven defendants’ requests for acquittals. The defendants’ lawyers had contended there was a lack of evidence against their clients. The judge gave no explanation for his decision. It clears the way for the seven to be retried in Montgomery starting Jan. 30.

A jury could not resolve all the charges against the seven when their first trial ended in August. The seven are casino owner Milton McGregor, casino lobbyist Tom Coker, Sen. Harri Anne Smith, former Sens. Means and Jim Preuitt, casino spokesman Jay Walker and former legislative employee Ray Crosby.