Ala. gambling retrial faces uncertainty after weekend death of defendant

Ala. gambling retrial set to start Monday faces uncertainty after weekend death of defendant
PHILLIP RAWLS Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The status of the retrial of Alabama's gambling corruption case is unclear after the weekend death of a defendant.

The trial was scheduled to begin Monday in federal court, but it wasn't certain if jury selection would go forward right away following the death Sunday of former legislative employee Joseph "Ray" Crosby. Montgomery County Coroner David Thrasher confirmed Crosby's death, but would not release additional information and said only that the investigation is continuing.

In addition to Crosby, the second trial was to involve casino owner Milton McGregor, state Sen. Harri Anne Smith, former Sens. Larry Means and Jim Preuitt, and two others. All were facing bribery charges and six of the seven faced conspiracy charges. Some of the defense attorneys had estimated that jury selection could last several days.

The first trial ended in August with the jury acquitting two defendants, but unable to agree on some charges against the remaining seven.

The judge and defense attorneys were to be the same for the retrial, but the federal government has a new lead prosecutor.