Alabama: “It’s not a bribe if ......

Smith attorney delivers colorful closing
Written by Sebastian Kitchen

Jim Parkman, the loud defense attorney representing Sen. Harri Anne Smith, referenced Scooby Doo, American Idol and Seinfeld in a colorful closing argument that attacked government witnesses and evidence used by prosecutors.

Smith, an independent senator from Slocomb, is charged for allegedly participating in a scheme in which casino interests tried to bribe state lawmakers to pass gambling legislation.

The Country Crossing development, which is in Smith’s southeast Alabama district, included a bingo pavilion.

Parkman said the prosecution’s case is based on liars, thieves, conmen, egomaniacs, “people that have no respect for women, people that have no respect for Africans-Americans and convicted felons.”

“I’m not just calling them names, I’m telling you what they are,” Parkman told the jury.

Parkman said Smith has supported people voting on gambling legislation since April 2008. Smith had previously introduced a bill to try to keep there from being so-called electronic bingo at Country Crossing.

Parkman said there were some Scooby Doo moments in the trial when people went – “Rut Roh.” He said there were inconsistent statements by Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley and his lobbyist, Jarrod Massey.

He said the depictions about a 2009 dinner at Garrett’s restaurant where all different. Sen. Scott Beason, Rep. Benjamin Lewis, Gilley and Massey all told different depictions in court about the dinner. Beason accused Smith of telling him that those at the dinner could contribute $500,000 to his campaign for lieutenant governor if he supported Country Crossing. Smith denied she ever mentioned any offer to Beason.

“We know about Beason now, but he looked good. All that glitters ain’t gold,” Parkman said.

Parkman also criticized Gilley for singing a line from a song on the witness stand while the future of Smith and her family was on the line. Gilley, Parkman said, thought he was on “American Idol” and wanted to move on to the next round – probation and a lower sentence.

Parkman asked which of the three prosecutors he pointed to would be Paula Abdul.

Gilley, Massey and Pouncy, a lobbyist who worked for Massey, have all pleaded guilty in the case.

Parkman referred to this as a “Wisconsin prosecution” – “It’s got more holes in it than Swiss cheese.”

Parkman also referenced an episode of the hit show Seinfeld and made his own twist on a conversation between characters Jerry and George – “It’s not a bribe if you believe it to be the truth.”

Those watching Parkman appeared to enjoy Parkman’s arguments a little too much. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson said he would clear out the audience in the court if spectators continued to react to the activity in the courtroom.