Alabama casino lobbyist testifies against casino owner, state senator in gambling trial
PHILLIP RAWLS Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A casino lobbyist who pleaded guilty to bribery testified Friday that Alabama's largest casino owner participated in a scheme to buy a state senator's vote with a multimillion dollar offer.
That senator was wearing a recording device for the FBI, and one of his tapes was used by prosecutors Friday to back up the testimony of Country Crossing lobbyist Jarrod Massey.
Massey said he arranged a meeting between his boss, Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley, VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor, and Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale at his Montgomery lobbying firm on Feb. 18, 2010.
On the tape, McGregor told Beason that he had borrowed $200 million and needed to pass pro-gambling legislation to protect his electronic bingo casino in Shorter, which was the state's largest until it closed last year.
Gilley was taped offering Beason a public relations job with the company that handled publicity for Gilley's casino in Dothan and his Bama Jam outdoor music festivals. He also talked about giving Beason campaign money that he could use for himself and could distribute to other Republicans to help build Beason's stature in the Republican Party.
McGregor was recorded saying: "I am in 100 percent agreement with what you just said."
He also told Beason: "Ronnie and I are just alike in that we've got a bad habit of supporting our friends."
Massey said he met with and called Beason later to explain that the offer was worth $1 million a year and to assure him the two casino owners would stand by their offers even if the pro-gambling legislation failed.
He said he began to suspect Beason was recording him. "If I was ever recorded I knew it wasn't going to go over well," he testified. But he said he carried on because the electronic bingo games were producing millions.
Gilley testified earlier in the 5-week-old trial that he had promised Massey a portion of the revenue from his casino's games in Dothan.
Gilley and McGregor were pushing a proposed constitutional amendment to protect electronic bingo machines from raids by state police. The legislation passed the Senate on March 30, 2010, without Beason's support, but it died in the House after the FBI revealed it was investigating Statehouse corruption.
Massey and Gilley pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe legislators and are helping prosecutors in the trial of McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four present and former state senators, a former County Crossing spokesman and a former legislative employee. They are accused of buying and selling votes on the pro-gambling legislation.
McGregor's lawyers portray Massey and Gilley as the real culprits who are now trying to incriminate others to try to shorten their sentences.
Massey testified Friday in a red jailhouse jumpsuit but without the handcuffs and shackles he wore when he began his testimony Thursday afternoon. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson told jurors that he ordered the restraints removed because Massey would be handling many documents in his testimony, which is expected to continue through Monday.
Beason began helping the FBI with its investigation of Statehouse corruption after attending a dinner meeting with Massey, Gilley, country singer John Anderson and other Country Crossing backers at an upscale Montgomery restaurant on March 4, 2009.
Massey testified that indicted state Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb helped organize the dinner to try to get the votes of Beason and Rep. Benjamin Lewis of Dothan, another Republican who traditionally opposed gambling legislation. Country Crossing was in Lewis' and Smith's legislative districts.
Massey said campaign donations and votes are not normally discussed together to avoid any questions about engaging in illegal vote selling, but Smith mentioned several times that Country Crossings' backers could help candidates.
"She acknowledged these guys can be helpful to you. They can raise a great deal of money," Massey testified.
Smith voted for the gambling legislation when the Senate passed it in March 2010.
Massey testified against several other defendants Friday.
Massey said McGregor's indicted lobbyists, Tom Coker and Bob Geddie, coordinated the large team of lobbyists representing casino owners.
He said indicted Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker came up with the idea of offering to buy trucks from the Talladega dealership of indicted Sen. Jim Preuitt in order to secure his vote for the gambling legislation.
Preuitt voted for the bill, but no trucks were ever purchased.
Preuitt may have been helped by a recorded phone call between Massey and Walker that was played in court. In the call, Massey said Preuitt "is an odd bird. It ain't about the money with him."
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Massachusetts: Where Business Is Conducted BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
It's not as if there haven't been protests of outrage conveyed to Massachusetts leadership about closed door meetings.
It's not as if Beacon Hill has a stellar record with the recent convictions of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi, Dianne Wilkerson [stuffing cash in her bra to rush to Foxwoods to feed the cash sucking machines] and others.
Michael Levenson addressed the Governor's own ......... shall we call them 'misstatements'?
Patrick breaks own rules on casinos
Faces questions over donations, meetings
By Michael Levenson, Globe Staff
Governor Deval Patrick, who has said repeatedly and as recently as last week that he does not take donations from or meet with gambling industry representatives, has done both as he and legislative leaders begin their third attempt to legalize resort-style casinos in Massachusetts.
Patrick has collected $6,200 in campaign donations from more than 20 registered gambling lobbyists since 2009, including representatives for Isle of Capri Casinos, Mohegan Tribal Gaming, and Penn National Gaming, according to campaign finance records.
The donations include two checks of $200 each, the maximum allowable amount for a lobbyist, from Paul Tuttle, the chief executive of Suffolk Downs, the East Boston horse track that is hoping to open a major casino if gambling is legalized. Patrick deposited one of those checks last August and the other in May.
[Interesting that the Boston Globe removed all of the comments - many of which were articulate and informative.]
Immediately after the November 2010, Governor Patrick met with a group of Native Americans to discuss state LIT and casino gambling - behind closed doors.
From Wampaleaks:
Deval Patrick tells Boston Globe 'no gaming interest contributions' - really?
A friend sent the information below and it seems no longer available:
Diane B. Patrick
Partner
Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, MA 02110-2624
Diane B. Patrick
Partner
Gaming
Gaming trade associations, leading companies and principal investors turn to Ropes & Gray for advice on matters ranging from litigation and regulatory issues, to financing and transactional engagements, to internal investigations and out-of-court workouts and insolvencies. We work with participants in all portions of the industry, including commercial casino companies, tribal operations and technology suppliers. We understand how the industry’s unique regulatory environment influences most legal issues. Recent engagements have included:
Defending several lawsuits brought by allegedly compulsive gamblers, and helping many clients develop meaningful, responsible gaming programs.
Defending against U.S. Treasury enforcement proceedings for failures to file currency transaction reports, and pressing the industry’s concerns before Treasury on "suspicious activity reporting."
Leading the industry effort to shape anti-terrorism restrictions proposed by the Coast Guard for casino riverboats in the wake of the September 11 tragedies.
Advising both underwriters and investors in more than a dozen major debt financings for tribal gaming properties.
Advocating before the U.S. Interior Department concerning tribal gaming compacts and the designation of initial reservations.
Defending a casino developer against a multimillion dollar claim by a local government for failing to win a state license for a proposed casino project.
Defending a gaming company before the Federal Election Commission against charges of improper campaign donations.
Representing major creditors in a Chapter 11 reorganization of a multi-state gaming entity.
Advising numerous clients concerning the application of state anti-lottery laws to proposed promotional programs, including Internet activities.
Seeking certiorari from the United States Supreme Court in a First Amendment challenge to limitations on campaign donations by casino licensees.
Ropes & Gray is the only national law firm that is a member of the American Gaming Association, which also is a client of the firm on a number of matters.
Contact:
For further information on this area of practice, please contact:
Litigation and Regulatory Matters – David O. Stewart
Financing and Transactional – Lawrence D. Bragg
Workouts and Insolvencies – Don S. DeAmicis
Governor Patrick retained Spectrum Gaming to produce a report for the Commonwealth, not about whether the proposal made sense in terms of Costs and Impacts, but to produce a glowing report that overstated revenues and exaggerated jobs at a cost of $189,000 hard earned taxpayer dollars.
Impartial? Not!
And this makes headlines:
Legislators’ vital work veiled from public’s eye
By Noah Bierman
The $30.6 billion budget approved by the Legislature last week was negotiated almost entirely in secret, with six lawmakers meeting for 24 days of talks that were off limits to taxpayers. Debates, agendas, and even the times and locations of the meetings were held in strict confidence. No minutes were kept.
Clearly, Beacon Hill still has not received the MESSAGE of voters being fed up with closed door meetings when this appears:
Patrick, leaders strike deal on unions
By Noah Bierman
The agreement, reached behind closed doors and slated for approval Monday....
Instead of getting better, Beacon Hill leadership is getting worse.
Maybe it's the elevation - it is a HILL after all.
Or the rarefied air. Or the arrogance.
Whatever it is, this needs to change.
The air of political corruption reeks.
If you don't want voters to think you're corrupt, you need to extend the Public Meeting Law to include the conduct of the legislature.
There is simply no excuse.
And there's no excuse for elected officials to continue to elect leadership that is deaf.
This continuing secrecy is indefensible.
It's not as if Beacon Hill has a stellar record with the recent convictions of former House Speaker Sal DiMasi, Dianne Wilkerson [stuffing cash in her bra to rush to Foxwoods to feed the cash sucking machines] and others.
Michael Levenson addressed the Governor's own ......... shall we call them 'misstatements'?
Patrick breaks own rules on casinos
Faces questions over donations, meetings
By Michael Levenson, Globe Staff
Governor Deval Patrick, who has said repeatedly and as recently as last week that he does not take donations from or meet with gambling industry representatives, has done both as he and legislative leaders begin their third attempt to legalize resort-style casinos in Massachusetts.
Patrick has collected $6,200 in campaign donations from more than 20 registered gambling lobbyists since 2009, including representatives for Isle of Capri Casinos, Mohegan Tribal Gaming, and Penn National Gaming, according to campaign finance records.
The donations include two checks of $200 each, the maximum allowable amount for a lobbyist, from Paul Tuttle, the chief executive of Suffolk Downs, the East Boston horse track that is hoping to open a major casino if gambling is legalized. Patrick deposited one of those checks last August and the other in May.
[Interesting that the Boston Globe removed all of the comments - many of which were articulate and informative.]
Immediately after the November 2010, Governor Patrick met with a group of Native Americans to discuss state LIT and casino gambling - behind closed doors.
From Wampaleaks:
Deval Patrick tells Boston Globe 'no gaming interest contributions' - really?
A friend sent the information below and it seems no longer available:
Diane B. Patrick
Partner
Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, MA 02110-2624
Diane B. Patrick
Partner
Gaming
Gaming trade associations, leading companies and principal investors turn to Ropes & Gray for advice on matters ranging from litigation and regulatory issues, to financing and transactional engagements, to internal investigations and out-of-court workouts and insolvencies. We work with participants in all portions of the industry, including commercial casino companies, tribal operations and technology suppliers. We understand how the industry’s unique regulatory environment influences most legal issues. Recent engagements have included:
Defending several lawsuits brought by allegedly compulsive gamblers, and helping many clients develop meaningful, responsible gaming programs.
Defending against U.S. Treasury enforcement proceedings for failures to file currency transaction reports, and pressing the industry’s concerns before Treasury on "suspicious activity reporting."
Leading the industry effort to shape anti-terrorism restrictions proposed by the Coast Guard for casino riverboats in the wake of the September 11 tragedies.
Advising both underwriters and investors in more than a dozen major debt financings for tribal gaming properties.
Advocating before the U.S. Interior Department concerning tribal gaming compacts and the designation of initial reservations.
Defending a casino developer against a multimillion dollar claim by a local government for failing to win a state license for a proposed casino project.
Defending a gaming company before the Federal Election Commission against charges of improper campaign donations.
Representing major creditors in a Chapter 11 reorganization of a multi-state gaming entity.
Advising numerous clients concerning the application of state anti-lottery laws to proposed promotional programs, including Internet activities.
Seeking certiorari from the United States Supreme Court in a First Amendment challenge to limitations on campaign donations by casino licensees.
Ropes & Gray is the only national law firm that is a member of the American Gaming Association, which also is a client of the firm on a number of matters.
Contact:
For further information on this area of practice, please contact:
Litigation and Regulatory Matters – David O. Stewart
Financing and Transactional – Lawrence D. Bragg
Workouts and Insolvencies – Don S. DeAmicis
Governor Patrick retained Spectrum Gaming to produce a report for the Commonwealth, not about whether the proposal made sense in terms of Costs and Impacts, but to produce a glowing report that overstated revenues and exaggerated jobs at a cost of $189,000 hard earned taxpayer dollars.
Impartial? Not!
And this makes headlines:
Legislators’ vital work veiled from public’s eye
By Noah Bierman
The $30.6 billion budget approved by the Legislature last week was negotiated almost entirely in secret, with six lawmakers meeting for 24 days of talks that were off limits to taxpayers. Debates, agendas, and even the times and locations of the meetings were held in strict confidence. No minutes were kept.
Clearly, Beacon Hill still has not received the MESSAGE of voters being fed up with closed door meetings when this appears:
Patrick, leaders strike deal on unions
By Noah Bierman
The agreement, reached behind closed doors and slated for approval Monday....
Instead of getting better, Beacon Hill leadership is getting worse.
Maybe it's the elevation - it is a HILL after all.
Or the rarefied air. Or the arrogance.
Whatever it is, this needs to change.
The air of political corruption reeks.
If you don't want voters to think you're corrupt, you need to extend the Public Meeting Law to include the conduct of the legislature.
There is simply no excuse.
And there's no excuse for elected officials to continue to elect leadership that is deaf.
This continuing secrecy is indefensible.
Illinois: New gamblers in town
New gamblers in town
By Joseph Ryan, Tribune reporter
Nicky Nichols became a major player in the Louisiana world of video gambling while cutting key politicians in on the game. Now he has brought some notable business partners to his Illinois ventures: Louisiana legislators.
As Illinois struggles to roll out video gambling machines in bars and truck stops, one of the key players setting up shop here is a master of the game in Louisiana.
Nicky Nichols grew a Louisiana video poker empire while striking up business relationships with lawmakers who help regulate the industry. And his father-in-law was a major figure in the state's storied gambling scene who admitted bribing the governor to get a casino license.
Now Nichols is angling to be a dominant player in Illinois' behind-the-scenes gold rush, competing with scores of other applicants for a share of an estimated $1 billion pot. To do that, Nichols is bringing his Louisiana business style to Illinois.
He has brought Bayou State lawmakers and a top gambling lobbyist along as investors as he seeks deals in Illinois. And he's embracing the local culture of contributing heavily to the political funds of friendly lawmakers.
State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, Springfield's go-to guy on gambling legislation, has received about $70,000 in contributions from Nichols and his related companies since shepherding the 2009 law that legalized video poker. Since then, Lang has twice pushed for measures that regulators say would weaken their ability to control the new industry.
Lang said the contributions are just a show of appreciation for his support of gambling and don't affect his actions. But he bristles at the idea of lawmakers getting into a business they help regulate.
"Whether it is legal or not, it shouldn't be done," Lang said.
Regulators have yet to issue any licenses and the fledgling video poker industry could be stopped cold if the Illinois Supreme Court declares the underlying law unconstitutional. A decision is expected Monday.
Big bucks are at stake and businessmen like Nichols are unlikely to fold their cards. Lang may push new legislation if the Supreme Court jettisons the original law.
Nichols, through his Illinois attorney Paul Jenson, declined to answer specific questions from the Tribune. Jenson said Nichols has multiple gambling licenses in good standing.
"Indeed, we believe Mr. Nichols will be a credit to this exciting new industry as an operator of successful businesses that hope to employ many people while being socially minded and charitably inclined," Jenson wrote in an email to the Tribune.
Two Louisiana lawmakers defended their business relationships with Nichols.
"There is nothing illegal or unethical about it," said Louisiana Rep. Damon Baldone, a Nichols investor and vice chairman of a committee overseeing video poker.
A rough history
Louisiana has a rough history with legalized gambling, and in the middle of it was Nichols' father-in-law, Robert Guidry.
The millionaire tugboat operator was a regular at $10,000-ante poker games held by legendary Gov. Edwin Edwards, a relationship that helped Guidry win a fortune in the state's burgeoning gambling industry.
Louisiana launched video poker in 1992. Bars can have three machines and truck stops can have as many as 50, making them mini-casinos.
Early on, Guidry's video poker company came under fire from Louisiana State Police, who accused him of hiding a business relationship with a reputed organized crime associate. Guidry fought the allegations with the governor's help, and he won a court battle to keep the license.
Then Guidry landed a casino license. He later testified in Edwards' 2000 corruption trial that he paid nearly $1.5 million in bribes for the license, sometimes dropping off paper bags filled with rolls of $100 bills.
Guidry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion and was a star witness against Edwards.
Guidry became an issue for Nichols when he applied in 2006 for a slot machine supplier license in Pennsylvania. The license was approved on the condition that no one in the firm discuss business in Guidry's presence.
Baldone and Alton Ashy, a lobbyist for many Louisiana gambling operators including Nichols, said Guidry has nothing to do with Nichols' video poker enterprise.
The Louisiana game
In recent years, Nichols has become part-owner or manager of several truck stop casinos and the video poker company Redman Gaming in Louisiana. He is also listed as an officer with companies that handle video bingo gambling machines in areas of the state in which video poker is banned.
Nichols' companies have repeatedly cut key officials in on their business.
When Redman Gaming sought to build a truck stop casino across the Mississippi River from New Orleans in 2009, The Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans reported key officials there had secured a deal to invest in other truck stops linked to the company. The deal, which included the Jefferson Parish administrator and former parish president, fell apart amid an unrelated investigation of the administrator. But Redman's truck stop casino was approved.
Louisiana Rep. Ernest Wooton, chairman of the committee that handles gambling laws, has reported he was a security consultant for convenience stores partly owned by Nichols in 2009 and before that he made $24,000 over two years consulting for Redman Gaming.
Wooton, a former sheriff, said he informally checked with attorneys for the state's ethics board to make sure his security work was legal.
"I don't want to be like your governor and a few other people from Louisiana," Wooton said, referring to convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Baldone, an attorney with wide-ranging business interests, reported in state disclosure filings that he made $959,480 from 2008 to 2010 from his investments in Nichols' Redman and Tall Timbers truck stop companies. Baldone said he took up Nichols' offer to invest in his companies about four years ago when he was looking to build a truck stop casino of his own.
During their decade-plus legislative careers, Wooton and Baldone have repeatedly backed pro-video poker measures, including some that critics argued would weaken regulation of the industry.
Baldone said he has long supported gambling because it is supported by his constituents. He said he has no conflict of interest, comparing his gambling votes to a lawyer voting on laws affecting the courts.
Others disagree.
"I'm really having trouble digesting that. It is so blatant," said Edward Chervenak, assistant political science professor at the University of New Orleans. "They have a vested interest."
Coming to Illinois
Within weeks of Illinois approving video poker in 2009, Nichols started filing paperwork to create gambling-related companies in the state. Now he is tied to about a dozen companies in all.
The law allows bars, truck stops and clubs to have up to five machines. Video poker operating companies can place machines in multiple locations while taking roughly a third of the revenue.
The Illinois Gaming Board is facing more than 80 applications for that type of license. Most of the companies tied to Nichols are seeking operator licenses. They cite addresses across the state, from Collinsville to Chicago, and involve various partners, some local and some from Louisiana.
Nichols also has ties to Illinois Gaming Management LLLP, which is seeking a license to distribute machines to video poker operators. Illinois Gaming includes a full circle of Louisiana clout: a top video poker lobbyist, video poker companies and state lawmakers.
Public records in Illinois show more than 20 partners, including Baldone, lobbyist Ashy, some of Nichols' video poker business partners and Louisiana state Sen. Robert Marionneaux — former chairman of a committee overseeing video poker
Baldone and Ashy said they were approached to invest by Nichols. Marionneaux, now head of a powerful tax committee, didn't return phone calls seeking comment. Ashy and Baldone said the Illinois Gaming application could be rescinded because the firm's deal with a video poker manufacturer may have recently fallen apart. But they also said they and other investors might instead place their bets on other video poker ventures in Illinois.
Still, Baldone said he is frustrated with the hang-ups in Illinois' rollout of poker machines.
"I invested my money a long time ago and I'm not getting any return," he said. "I hope they do this right and they do it expeditiously."
Roadblocks
Lang blames the gaming board for most of the delays in rolling out the machines.
"They have dragged their heels very much on video gaming," he said. "I don't believe they are in a hurry to make it happen."
Lang has pushed through measures he says are aimed at speeding up the process and making it more equitable — over the complaints of regulators.
Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe has said it is time-consuming for his understaffed agency to develop rules and procedures for overseeing tens of thousands of machines in thousands of locations.
He blasted the Lang measures, including a new law last year he said would make it harder for regulators to keep bars and clubs out of the industry if they had been previously raided for illegal machines.
Jaffe also criticized a provision tucked into a major casino expansion proposal this year that would force the board to issue provisional video poker licenses within 60 days even if the establishments haven't been fully vetted. The change is up in the air as Quinn debates the overall package, which includes a Chicago casino.
Lang said he supports video poker because he believes it is a good way to raise an estimated $300 million in taxes to bankroll construction projects. He said his moves are not influenced by contributions from gambling interests, including Nichols.
"I haven't seen any effort by Mr. Nichols in Illinois to improperly influence anybody to do anything," he said.
By Joseph Ryan, Tribune reporter
Nicky Nichols became a major player in the Louisiana world of video gambling while cutting key politicians in on the game. Now he has brought some notable business partners to his Illinois ventures: Louisiana legislators.
As Illinois struggles to roll out video gambling machines in bars and truck stops, one of the key players setting up shop here is a master of the game in Louisiana.
Nicky Nichols grew a Louisiana video poker empire while striking up business relationships with lawmakers who help regulate the industry. And his father-in-law was a major figure in the state's storied gambling scene who admitted bribing the governor to get a casino license.
Now Nichols is angling to be a dominant player in Illinois' behind-the-scenes gold rush, competing with scores of other applicants for a share of an estimated $1 billion pot. To do that, Nichols is bringing his Louisiana business style to Illinois.
He has brought Bayou State lawmakers and a top gambling lobbyist along as investors as he seeks deals in Illinois. And he's embracing the local culture of contributing heavily to the political funds of friendly lawmakers.
State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, Springfield's go-to guy on gambling legislation, has received about $70,000 in contributions from Nichols and his related companies since shepherding the 2009 law that legalized video poker. Since then, Lang has twice pushed for measures that regulators say would weaken their ability to control the new industry.
Lang said the contributions are just a show of appreciation for his support of gambling and don't affect his actions. But he bristles at the idea of lawmakers getting into a business they help regulate.
"Whether it is legal or not, it shouldn't be done," Lang said.
Regulators have yet to issue any licenses and the fledgling video poker industry could be stopped cold if the Illinois Supreme Court declares the underlying law unconstitutional. A decision is expected Monday.
Big bucks are at stake and businessmen like Nichols are unlikely to fold their cards. Lang may push new legislation if the Supreme Court jettisons the original law.
Nichols, through his Illinois attorney Paul Jenson, declined to answer specific questions from the Tribune. Jenson said Nichols has multiple gambling licenses in good standing.
"Indeed, we believe Mr. Nichols will be a credit to this exciting new industry as an operator of successful businesses that hope to employ many people while being socially minded and charitably inclined," Jenson wrote in an email to the Tribune.
Two Louisiana lawmakers defended their business relationships with Nichols.
"There is nothing illegal or unethical about it," said Louisiana Rep. Damon Baldone, a Nichols investor and vice chairman of a committee overseeing video poker.
A rough history
Louisiana has a rough history with legalized gambling, and in the middle of it was Nichols' father-in-law, Robert Guidry.
The millionaire tugboat operator was a regular at $10,000-ante poker games held by legendary Gov. Edwin Edwards, a relationship that helped Guidry win a fortune in the state's burgeoning gambling industry.
Louisiana launched video poker in 1992. Bars can have three machines and truck stops can have as many as 50, making them mini-casinos.
Early on, Guidry's video poker company came under fire from Louisiana State Police, who accused him of hiding a business relationship with a reputed organized crime associate. Guidry fought the allegations with the governor's help, and he won a court battle to keep the license.
Then Guidry landed a casino license. He later testified in Edwards' 2000 corruption trial that he paid nearly $1.5 million in bribes for the license, sometimes dropping off paper bags filled with rolls of $100 bills.
Guidry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion and was a star witness against Edwards.
Guidry became an issue for Nichols when he applied in 2006 for a slot machine supplier license in Pennsylvania. The license was approved on the condition that no one in the firm discuss business in Guidry's presence.
Baldone and Alton Ashy, a lobbyist for many Louisiana gambling operators including Nichols, said Guidry has nothing to do with Nichols' video poker enterprise.
The Louisiana game
In recent years, Nichols has become part-owner or manager of several truck stop casinos and the video poker company Redman Gaming in Louisiana. He is also listed as an officer with companies that handle video bingo gambling machines in areas of the state in which video poker is banned.
Nichols' companies have repeatedly cut key officials in on their business.
When Redman Gaming sought to build a truck stop casino across the Mississippi River from New Orleans in 2009, The Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans reported key officials there had secured a deal to invest in other truck stops linked to the company. The deal, which included the Jefferson Parish administrator and former parish president, fell apart amid an unrelated investigation of the administrator. But Redman's truck stop casino was approved.
Louisiana Rep. Ernest Wooton, chairman of the committee that handles gambling laws, has reported he was a security consultant for convenience stores partly owned by Nichols in 2009 and before that he made $24,000 over two years consulting for Redman Gaming.
Wooton, a former sheriff, said he informally checked with attorneys for the state's ethics board to make sure his security work was legal.
"I don't want to be like your governor and a few other people from Louisiana," Wooton said, referring to convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Baldone, an attorney with wide-ranging business interests, reported in state disclosure filings that he made $959,480 from 2008 to 2010 from his investments in Nichols' Redman and Tall Timbers truck stop companies. Baldone said he took up Nichols' offer to invest in his companies about four years ago when he was looking to build a truck stop casino of his own.
During their decade-plus legislative careers, Wooton and Baldone have repeatedly backed pro-video poker measures, including some that critics argued would weaken regulation of the industry.
Baldone said he has long supported gambling because it is supported by his constituents. He said he has no conflict of interest, comparing his gambling votes to a lawyer voting on laws affecting the courts.
Others disagree.
"I'm really having trouble digesting that. It is so blatant," said Edward Chervenak, assistant political science professor at the University of New Orleans. "They have a vested interest."
Coming to Illinois
Within weeks of Illinois approving video poker in 2009, Nichols started filing paperwork to create gambling-related companies in the state. Now he is tied to about a dozen companies in all.
The law allows bars, truck stops and clubs to have up to five machines. Video poker operating companies can place machines in multiple locations while taking roughly a third of the revenue.
The Illinois Gaming Board is facing more than 80 applications for that type of license. Most of the companies tied to Nichols are seeking operator licenses. They cite addresses across the state, from Collinsville to Chicago, and involve various partners, some local and some from Louisiana.
Nichols also has ties to Illinois Gaming Management LLLP, which is seeking a license to distribute machines to video poker operators. Illinois Gaming includes a full circle of Louisiana clout: a top video poker lobbyist, video poker companies and state lawmakers.
Public records in Illinois show more than 20 partners, including Baldone, lobbyist Ashy, some of Nichols' video poker business partners and Louisiana state Sen. Robert Marionneaux — former chairman of a committee overseeing video poker
Baldone and Ashy said they were approached to invest by Nichols. Marionneaux, now head of a powerful tax committee, didn't return phone calls seeking comment. Ashy and Baldone said the Illinois Gaming application could be rescinded because the firm's deal with a video poker manufacturer may have recently fallen apart. But they also said they and other investors might instead place their bets on other video poker ventures in Illinois.
Still, Baldone said he is frustrated with the hang-ups in Illinois' rollout of poker machines.
"I invested my money a long time ago and I'm not getting any return," he said. "I hope they do this right and they do it expeditiously."
Roadblocks
Lang blames the gaming board for most of the delays in rolling out the machines.
"They have dragged their heels very much on video gaming," he said. "I don't believe they are in a hurry to make it happen."
Lang has pushed through measures he says are aimed at speeding up the process and making it more equitable — over the complaints of regulators.
Gaming Board Chairman Aaron Jaffe has said it is time-consuming for his understaffed agency to develop rules and procedures for overseeing tens of thousands of machines in thousands of locations.
He blasted the Lang measures, including a new law last year he said would make it harder for regulators to keep bars and clubs out of the industry if they had been previously raided for illegal machines.
Jaffe also criticized a provision tucked into a major casino expansion proposal this year that would force the board to issue provisional video poker licenses within 60 days even if the establishments haven't been fully vetted. The change is up in the air as Quinn debates the overall package, which includes a Chicago casino.
Lang said he supports video poker because he believes it is a good way to raise an estimated $300 million in taxes to bankroll construction projects. He said his moves are not influenced by contributions from gambling interests, including Nichols.
"I haven't seen any effort by Mr. Nichols in Illinois to improperly influence anybody to do anything," he said.
Alabama: Fake Commenters Used, "bingo-bots"
Just as we've witnessed in Masschusetts, FAKE POSTERS were employed in the vote buying scheme in Alabama:
Gilley also detailed how he hired Atlanta-area marketing executive Jeff Rubin to create fake commenters on website to make electronic bingo seem more popular.
Users of many Alabama-based websites dubbed the ever-present pro-gambling voices “bingo-bots.”
Massey takes stand in shackles
David Goodwin
One-time gambling lobbyist Jarrod Massey presented a much different picture on the witness stand than his one-time boss.
Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley pleaded guilty and testified against his former co-defendants in gray suits and ties.
But Massey, the lobbyist Gilley used as a go-between with lawmakers, took the stand in the maroon jumpsuit of an inmate after he elected to begin his jail sentence in January.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson told bailiffs to remove the shackles from Massey’s wrists Thursday afternoon, since he’d be handling transcripts and other documents during his testimony.
The government said it expected to present around 30 tapes during Massey’s testimony, with the disgraced lobbyist authenticating the calls, detailing their context and identifying voices and names mentioned.
Gilley, Massey and lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy all pleaded guilty to corruption and conspiracy charges and agreed to testify for the government.
Friday, Massey gave his account of the meeting with State Sen. Scott Beason, Gilley and VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor.
McGregor, former senators Larry Means and Jim Preuitt, current Sen. Quentin Ross and Harri Anne Smith, lobbyists Tom Coker and Bob Geddie and legislative analyst Ray Crosby are all on trial in federal court for the alleged vote-buying scheme.
Massey was intimately involved in the alleged plot to bribe Alabama lawmakers and buy their votes on legislation to declare a statewide referendum on the legality of electronic bingo.
Massey was recorded offering up to $1 million to Beason in exchange for his vote on the bingo bill.
Massey followed Gilley on the witness stand.
Gilley was grilled by prosecutors and defense attorneys for six days as he described efforts to pass the bill so his “life-savings” investment in the Dothan-area entertainment and gambling destination would not go to waste.
Gilley also detailed how he hired Atlanta-area marketing executive Jeff Rubin to create fake commenters on website to make electronic bingo seem more popular.
Users of many Alabama-based websites dubbed the ever-present pro-gambling voices “bingo-bots.”
The Country Crossing developer spent a total of six days on the witness stand.
Gilley was granted a five-day break when the judge said he became ill and dehydrated last week.
Defense attorneys spent much of this week pointing out inconsistencies in Gilley’s timeline of events and assailing his honesty in an effort to undermine the testimony.
Gilley also detailed how he hired Atlanta-area marketing executive Jeff Rubin to create fake commenters on website to make electronic bingo seem more popular.
Users of many Alabama-based websites dubbed the ever-present pro-gambling voices “bingo-bots.”
Massey takes stand in shackles
David Goodwin
One-time gambling lobbyist Jarrod Massey presented a much different picture on the witness stand than his one-time boss.
Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley pleaded guilty and testified against his former co-defendants in gray suits and ties.
But Massey, the lobbyist Gilley used as a go-between with lawmakers, took the stand in the maroon jumpsuit of an inmate after he elected to begin his jail sentence in January.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson told bailiffs to remove the shackles from Massey’s wrists Thursday afternoon, since he’d be handling transcripts and other documents during his testimony.
The government said it expected to present around 30 tapes during Massey’s testimony, with the disgraced lobbyist authenticating the calls, detailing their context and identifying voices and names mentioned.
Gilley, Massey and lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy all pleaded guilty to corruption and conspiracy charges and agreed to testify for the government.
Friday, Massey gave his account of the meeting with State Sen. Scott Beason, Gilley and VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor.
McGregor, former senators Larry Means and Jim Preuitt, current Sen. Quentin Ross and Harri Anne Smith, lobbyists Tom Coker and Bob Geddie and legislative analyst Ray Crosby are all on trial in federal court for the alleged vote-buying scheme.
Massey was intimately involved in the alleged plot to bribe Alabama lawmakers and buy their votes on legislation to declare a statewide referendum on the legality of electronic bingo.
Massey was recorded offering up to $1 million to Beason in exchange for his vote on the bingo bill.
Massey followed Gilley on the witness stand.
Gilley was grilled by prosecutors and defense attorneys for six days as he described efforts to pass the bill so his “life-savings” investment in the Dothan-area entertainment and gambling destination would not go to waste.
Gilley also detailed how he hired Atlanta-area marketing executive Jeff Rubin to create fake commenters on website to make electronic bingo seem more popular.
Users of many Alabama-based websites dubbed the ever-present pro-gambling voices “bingo-bots.”
The Country Crossing developer spent a total of six days on the witness stand.
Gilley was granted a five-day break when the judge said he became ill and dehydrated last week.
Defense attorneys spent much of this week pointing out inconsistencies in Gilley’s timeline of events and assailing his honesty in an effort to undermine the testimony.
Alabama: Gilley continues testimony - testifies about phony support
The tactic described below has been employed in Massachusetts to create the false illusion of widespread support of gambling legislation. The phony posters regurgitate Casino Industry propaganda and post vicious personal attacks of opponents.
It's been pretty conspicuous.
Watch for it.
He also testified that when articles about the casinos or pro-gambling legislation appeared on news media websites, he and McGregor paid a viral marketing firm to post comments to give the impression that a majority of people supported the legislation.
Defense grills witness in Ala. gambling trial
By PHILLIP RAWLS
Defense attorneys in Alabama's gambling corruption trial put so much pressure on government witness Ronnie Gilley that he told a defense attorney Thursday, "You are sweating me out up here."
The casino developer's comment came as he was challenged all day long by the defense on details such as dates and amounts of money spent on alleged bribes and entertainment.
Gilley and two of his lobbyists have pleaded guilty to offering bribes to legislators. Gilley was the first of the three to testify in the federal trial of nine people, including four present and former state senators, accused of using campaign contributions to buy and sell votes on pro-gambling legislation. Thursday was Gilley's sixth day on the witness stand.
After he stepped down late Thursday afternoon, one of his lobbyists, Jarrod Massey, testified that he has pleaded guilty to offering bribes to the four senators to pass pro-gambling legislation supported by Gilley. He said Gilley was paying him up to $16,500 a month for his work. Massey will return to the witness stand Friday.
During Gilley's lengthy testimony, he said he gave a $5,000 campaign donation to indicted state Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb during a fundraising reception for her congressional campaign May 27, 2008. He testified she returned the check a few days later, thanked him for running ads against her primary campaign opponent and discussed ways the gambling operator could contribute to her campaign without the money appearing to come from him.
Under cross-examination from Smith's attorney, Gilley said he couldn't remember the exact date Smith returned the donation, but it was "within a matter of days" of the fundraiser.
Defense attorney William White then showed Gilley information showing the ads he testified about didn't start airing until early July.
White contended the meeting with Smith never occurred, but Gilley said it did.
"I distinctly remember her bringing the check back to me," he testified.
Smith's attorney pointed out other errors by Gilley about the date or time an event happened.
"I have a major problem with dates," Gilley acknowledged.
Smith's lawyer contended that Gilley also has a problem with exaggerating.
He quizzed Gilley about a fundraising concert he organized for Smith's legislative re-election campaign in December 2009 and asked if Gilley had announced from the stage that the event raised $250,000.
"I did," Gilley testified.
He admitted, however, that the event only netted about $7,000 for her campaign. He blamed the less-than-expected revenue on tornado warnings keeping people away.
Gilley testified earlier that he spent $217,000 putting on the fundraiser, including paying $60,000 for performances by two country entertainers associated with his Dothan casino, Lorrie Morgan and John Anderson.
On Thursday, Smith's lawyer offered financial records from Gilley's company showing the two entertainers cost about $40,000.
Gilley insisted that no matter what the correct numbers are, his work on behalf of Smith's re-election was contingent upon "her supporting our legislation."
Gilley was trying to pass a proposed constitutional amendment to protect electronic bingo machines at his casino and others from raids by state police. The Senate passed the bill March 30, 2010, but it died in the House after the FBI disclosed it was investigating Statehouse corruption. The bill drew support from Smith and the three other present and former senators now on trial.
During Gilley's previous appearances on the witness stand, prosecutors offered a wiretapped phone call in which he proposed buying the vote of an indicted senator by going to his car dealership with country singer George Jones and buying a fleet of trucks.
Gilley admitted Thursday there was nothing to his talk about using Jones or buying trucks to get the vote of former Republican Sen. Jim Preuitt of Talladega.
"The George Jones scenario was a joke," he testified.
Under questioning by the prosecution, Gilley said he was serious when he told Preuitt after the Senate's favorable vote that he would furnish big-name country music singers to perform a fundraising concert for Preuitt's re-election campaign.
Former state Attorney General Bill Baxley, defense lawyer for lobbyist Tom Coker, said the defense was trying to show that Gilley wasn't being truthful during his guilty plea in April when he called himself a politically naive person who got caught up in the flames of corruption in the capital city.
"He is not one caught up in the flames. He is the flames," Baxley said.
Prosecutors sought Thursday to show Gilley's financial ties to one of the defendants, Milton McGregor, owner of the VictoryLand casino in Shorter. They presented financial agreements where McGregor provided $13.3 million to Gilley for the Country Crossing casino and his Bama Jam outdoor music festivals in Enterprise. Gilley testified there was another $700,000 not included in the documents, bringing the total to $14 million.
Gilley said he promised McGregor 14 percent of the casino's revenue in return.
"He was supposed to be getting the lion's share of my project," Gilley said. But he said Country Crossing never turned a profit before closing last year.
He also testified that when articles about the casinos or pro-gambling legislation appeared on news media websites, he and McGregor paid a viral marketing firm to post comments to give the impression that a majority of people supported the legislation. He said the firm was headed by Country Crossing investor Jeff Rubin.
Gilley said he and McGregor needed to pass the bill because they were deeply in debt from building their attractions.
"We had the same motive to get the legislation passed," he testified.
It's been pretty conspicuous.
Watch for it.
He also testified that when articles about the casinos or pro-gambling legislation appeared on news media websites, he and McGregor paid a viral marketing firm to post comments to give the impression that a majority of people supported the legislation.
Defense grills witness in Ala. gambling trial
By PHILLIP RAWLS
Defense attorneys in Alabama's gambling corruption trial put so much pressure on government witness Ronnie Gilley that he told a defense attorney Thursday, "You are sweating me out up here."
The casino developer's comment came as he was challenged all day long by the defense on details such as dates and amounts of money spent on alleged bribes and entertainment.
Gilley and two of his lobbyists have pleaded guilty to offering bribes to legislators. Gilley was the first of the three to testify in the federal trial of nine people, including four present and former state senators, accused of using campaign contributions to buy and sell votes on pro-gambling legislation. Thursday was Gilley's sixth day on the witness stand.
After he stepped down late Thursday afternoon, one of his lobbyists, Jarrod Massey, testified that he has pleaded guilty to offering bribes to the four senators to pass pro-gambling legislation supported by Gilley. He said Gilley was paying him up to $16,500 a month for his work. Massey will return to the witness stand Friday.
During Gilley's lengthy testimony, he said he gave a $5,000 campaign donation to indicted state Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb during a fundraising reception for her congressional campaign May 27, 2008. He testified she returned the check a few days later, thanked him for running ads against her primary campaign opponent and discussed ways the gambling operator could contribute to her campaign without the money appearing to come from him.
Under cross-examination from Smith's attorney, Gilley said he couldn't remember the exact date Smith returned the donation, but it was "within a matter of days" of the fundraiser.
Defense attorney William White then showed Gilley information showing the ads he testified about didn't start airing until early July.
White contended the meeting with Smith never occurred, but Gilley said it did.
"I distinctly remember her bringing the check back to me," he testified.
Smith's attorney pointed out other errors by Gilley about the date or time an event happened.
"I have a major problem with dates," Gilley acknowledged.
Smith's lawyer contended that Gilley also has a problem with exaggerating.
He quizzed Gilley about a fundraising concert he organized for Smith's legislative re-election campaign in December 2009 and asked if Gilley had announced from the stage that the event raised $250,000.
"I did," Gilley testified.
He admitted, however, that the event only netted about $7,000 for her campaign. He blamed the less-than-expected revenue on tornado warnings keeping people away.
Gilley testified earlier that he spent $217,000 putting on the fundraiser, including paying $60,000 for performances by two country entertainers associated with his Dothan casino, Lorrie Morgan and John Anderson.
On Thursday, Smith's lawyer offered financial records from Gilley's company showing the two entertainers cost about $40,000.
Gilley insisted that no matter what the correct numbers are, his work on behalf of Smith's re-election was contingent upon "her supporting our legislation."
Gilley was trying to pass a proposed constitutional amendment to protect electronic bingo machines at his casino and others from raids by state police. The Senate passed the bill March 30, 2010, but it died in the House after the FBI disclosed it was investigating Statehouse corruption. The bill drew support from Smith and the three other present and former senators now on trial.
During Gilley's previous appearances on the witness stand, prosecutors offered a wiretapped phone call in which he proposed buying the vote of an indicted senator by going to his car dealership with country singer George Jones and buying a fleet of trucks.
Gilley admitted Thursday there was nothing to his talk about using Jones or buying trucks to get the vote of former Republican Sen. Jim Preuitt of Talladega.
"The George Jones scenario was a joke," he testified.
Under questioning by the prosecution, Gilley said he was serious when he told Preuitt after the Senate's favorable vote that he would furnish big-name country music singers to perform a fundraising concert for Preuitt's re-election campaign.
Former state Attorney General Bill Baxley, defense lawyer for lobbyist Tom Coker, said the defense was trying to show that Gilley wasn't being truthful during his guilty plea in April when he called himself a politically naive person who got caught up in the flames of corruption in the capital city.
"He is not one caught up in the flames. He is the flames," Baxley said.
Prosecutors sought Thursday to show Gilley's financial ties to one of the defendants, Milton McGregor, owner of the VictoryLand casino in Shorter. They presented financial agreements where McGregor provided $13.3 million to Gilley for the Country Crossing casino and his Bama Jam outdoor music festivals in Enterprise. Gilley testified there was another $700,000 not included in the documents, bringing the total to $14 million.
Gilley said he promised McGregor 14 percent of the casino's revenue in return.
"He was supposed to be getting the lion's share of my project," Gilley said. But he said Country Crossing never turned a profit before closing last year.
He also testified that when articles about the casinos or pro-gambling legislation appeared on news media websites, he and McGregor paid a viral marketing firm to post comments to give the impression that a majority of people supported the legislation. He said the firm was headed by Country Crossing investor Jeff Rubin.
Gilley said he and McGregor needed to pass the bill because they were deeply in debt from building their attractions.
"We had the same motive to get the legislation passed," he testified.
Gambling addict doesn't like how ALC rolls
Gambling addict doesn't like how ALC rolls
A young Saint John man with a severe gambling addiction is slamming Atlantic Lottery's decision to expand its online gaming.
Craig Alexander Schultz is under 12 months' house arrest for stealing his employer's truck and breaking the conditions of his release.
His problems with the law stem from an addiction that he says began as a young teenager while dabbling on the computer at his home in the East Saint John suburb of Forest Hills.
"I know there are a lot of people out there that have the problem, and it just (bugs me) the way that the government wants to make money off it," Schultz, 21, said in an interview. "I can see why they want to legalize it, so they can tax it. But at the same time, they don't do much to stop addiction."
Atlantic Lottery Corporation offers gambling on behalf of the four Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick. Besides its conventional offerings, it's promoted PlaySphere since 2004, a website where people can play games such as iBingo and Lotto 6/49. More recently, Atlantic Lottery announced it would start offering a new British game, GeoSweep, on its website next winter.
Schultz's case made the news last November after he was arrested in a takedown outside a high-end hotel in the north end. A week after stealing his employer's truck, city police stopped Schultz, with guns drawn, after he pulled into the parking lot of the Chateau Saint John. Police were concerned by a text message sent by Schultz to his ex-girlfriend saying he had a gun. No weapons were found.
Schultz has since been getting his life in order. He says a 30-day stint in jail before sentencing and a program at Ridgewood Addiction Services has helped him stay away from gambling.
But he still feels the need to vent about Atlantic Lottery's offerings.
He says he began playing free online poker at the age of 13 or 14, then soon jumped to Atlantic Lottery's website. He admits to fraudulently using his mother's identity without her permission to play online games. Getting around the lottery corporation's security measures was a joke, he says.
"It's simple. A 10-year-old can do it, you know what I mean? If there's someone's wallet sitting around nearby, you can do it."
His admission of fraud brings into dispute the proper spelling of his family name. He insists it is spelled Schulz, while all court documents refer to him as Schultz.
Describing Atlantic Lottery's website as a stepping stone to more gambling, he soon began playing illegal poker in bars and by the time he was 19, he was driving to Halifax to play at the casino. Within no time, every pay cheque was going toward gambling and he began borrowing to feed the habit.
By the time he was 20, Schultz was out of control, taking more and more crazy gambles to recoup his mounting losses.
"I owed $10,000," he says. "It was definitely people you don't want to owe money to."
While Schultz expressed bitterness about Atlantic Lottery, the corporation said it had taken plenty of steps to prevent youngsters from gambling. Over the last two years, its security department has dealt with an average of 3.5 cases a month in which it appears that attempts have been made to create false accounts using identity theft. When this occurs, such accounts are immediately disabled, a spokesperson said.
"Atlantic Lottery takes responsible gambling very seriously and we have many security checks and balances in place to prevent sale of our products to minors," Sarah McBeath said in an email. "When Atlantic Lottery's transactional website was launched in 2004, we worked with responsible gambling experts from around the world to develop its responsible gambling and social responsibility features and tools."
As part of the security measures, Atlantic Lottery requires new accounts to go through a third-party verification process. If this verification fails for any reason, the applicant is asked to contact Atlantic Lottery and required to provide further documentation to verify their identity.
A letter is also mailed to every person who creates an online account. It instructs them to immediately contact Atlantic Lottery if they did not register for the service.
McBeath added that last year, Atlantic Lottery achieved the highest level of certification available from the World Lottery Association's responsible gaming framework.
"We achieved this by demonstrating that we offer some of the best responsible gambling features and programs in the world and we are committed to their continuous improvement."
Schultz, however, dismissed the security measures. At the very least, he believes everyone who signs up on Atlantic Lottery's website should have to submit to a phone call.
"If they call you and you sound like you're 12 years old," he said, "they're going to know. 'Cause I know when I first signed up on that Atlantic Lotto site, if they'd called they would have known I was a little boy. I definitely don't sound the same as I do today."
A young Saint John man with a severe gambling addiction is slamming Atlantic Lottery's decision to expand its online gaming.
Craig Alexander Schultz is under 12 months' house arrest for stealing his employer's truck and breaking the conditions of his release.
His problems with the law stem from an addiction that he says began as a young teenager while dabbling on the computer at his home in the East Saint John suburb of Forest Hills.
"I know there are a lot of people out there that have the problem, and it just (bugs me) the way that the government wants to make money off it," Schultz, 21, said in an interview. "I can see why they want to legalize it, so they can tax it. But at the same time, they don't do much to stop addiction."
Atlantic Lottery Corporation offers gambling on behalf of the four Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick. Besides its conventional offerings, it's promoted PlaySphere since 2004, a website where people can play games such as iBingo and Lotto 6/49. More recently, Atlantic Lottery announced it would start offering a new British game, GeoSweep, on its website next winter.
Schultz's case made the news last November after he was arrested in a takedown outside a high-end hotel in the north end. A week after stealing his employer's truck, city police stopped Schultz, with guns drawn, after he pulled into the parking lot of the Chateau Saint John. Police were concerned by a text message sent by Schultz to his ex-girlfriend saying he had a gun. No weapons were found.
Schultz has since been getting his life in order. He says a 30-day stint in jail before sentencing and a program at Ridgewood Addiction Services has helped him stay away from gambling.
But he still feels the need to vent about Atlantic Lottery's offerings.
He says he began playing free online poker at the age of 13 or 14, then soon jumped to Atlantic Lottery's website. He admits to fraudulently using his mother's identity without her permission to play online games. Getting around the lottery corporation's security measures was a joke, he says.
"It's simple. A 10-year-old can do it, you know what I mean? If there's someone's wallet sitting around nearby, you can do it."
His admission of fraud brings into dispute the proper spelling of his family name. He insists it is spelled Schulz, while all court documents refer to him as Schultz.
Describing Atlantic Lottery's website as a stepping stone to more gambling, he soon began playing illegal poker in bars and by the time he was 19, he was driving to Halifax to play at the casino. Within no time, every pay cheque was going toward gambling and he began borrowing to feed the habit.
By the time he was 20, Schultz was out of control, taking more and more crazy gambles to recoup his mounting losses.
"I owed $10,000," he says. "It was definitely people you don't want to owe money to."
While Schultz expressed bitterness about Atlantic Lottery, the corporation said it had taken plenty of steps to prevent youngsters from gambling. Over the last two years, its security department has dealt with an average of 3.5 cases a month in which it appears that attempts have been made to create false accounts using identity theft. When this occurs, such accounts are immediately disabled, a spokesperson said.
"Atlantic Lottery takes responsible gambling very seriously and we have many security checks and balances in place to prevent sale of our products to minors," Sarah McBeath said in an email. "When Atlantic Lottery's transactional website was launched in 2004, we worked with responsible gambling experts from around the world to develop its responsible gambling and social responsibility features and tools."
As part of the security measures, Atlantic Lottery requires new accounts to go through a third-party verification process. If this verification fails for any reason, the applicant is asked to contact Atlantic Lottery and required to provide further documentation to verify their identity.
A letter is also mailed to every person who creates an online account. It instructs them to immediately contact Atlantic Lottery if they did not register for the service.
McBeath added that last year, Atlantic Lottery achieved the highest level of certification available from the World Lottery Association's responsible gaming framework.
"We achieved this by demonstrating that we offer some of the best responsible gambling features and programs in the world and we are committed to their continuous improvement."
Schultz, however, dismissed the security measures. At the very least, he believes everyone who signs up on Atlantic Lottery's website should have to submit to a phone call.
"If they call you and you sound like you're 12 years old," he said, "they're going to know. 'Cause I know when I first signed up on that Atlantic Lotto site, if they'd called they would have known I was a little boy. I definitely don't sound the same as I do today."
Ex-Burr Oak Cemetery director Carolyn Towns pleads guilty, gets 12 years
Ex-Burr Oak Cemetery director Carolyn Towns pleads guilty, gets 12 years
By LAUREN FITZPATRICK Sun-Times Media
Carolyn Towns, who for years consoled grieving families as manager of the Burr Oak cemetery, herself wept Friday as she admitted her role in a grave reselling scandal at the historic black burial grounds.
Two years to the day after the scandal blew open, Towns, 51, blamed a gambling addiction, told a judge how sorry she was for the families pained by the scheme she oversaw, and accepted a 12-year prison sentence.
“I am very sorry for this situation and how it has affected my family and the families of the Burr Oak cemetery,” she said quietly. “It was always my goal to treat them with dignity and respect.”
On July 8, 2009, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced that Towns and three other cemetery workers had been digging up graves at the iconic cemetery, dumping the bodies and reselling the plots for cash since at least 2003. Thousands of relatives clamored to the gates, looking for their loved ones’ plots, until Dart declared the 150-acre campus a crime scene.
Lawsuits that ensued against Towns and the cemetery’s parent company resulted in bankruptcy reorganization. A new trustee was appointed in June to restore and run the cemetery where civil rights icon Emmett Till, jazz singer Dinah Washington and many Negro league baseball players are buried.
Towns pleaded guilty to six of the seven original felony counts against her, including dismembering a human body and theft from a place of worship. Investigators said she took some $300,000 over several years.
Judge Frank Castiglione berated her for betraying the trust of the families who sought Towns’ help at a such a vulnerable time.
“The victims in this case are essentially the public,” he said. “The defendant’s actions in these crimes caused — while not physical harm — I believe irreparable emotional and psychological harm.
“There is no way to repair the harm done to those grieving families and friends.”
Towns’ attorney Richard S. Kling said the money she stole fed a terrible gambling addiction, and blinded her sense of what she knew was right.
When the hearing was over, she sat with her husband in the courtroom and cried.
Then she put on sunglasses and, without commenting, walked out with her attorney to a car waiting for her.
Towns will turn herself in on Oct. 31. Castiglione told her he only granted her the delay so she can make arrangements for the care of her elderly mother.
Towns’ former crew and codefendants, foreman Keith Nicks, 47, of Chicago; backhoe operator Maurice “Bear” Dailey, 61, of Robbins; and grave digger Terrence Nicks, 41, of Chicago, still await trial on the same charges.
Prosecutors said Towns would accept cash payments from families of the recently deceased, pocket the money and direct the gravediggers to bury the bodies in graves that already were occupied.
The crew would crush the vaults and caskets in the graves, dump the human remains in the part of the cemetery where they threw garbage and dirt, they said. And they would “double stack” graves to create “bogus graves,” they said.
The case made headlines and led TV newscasts, with revelations about shocking conditions at the cemetery, where investigators found bones and caskets dumped in piles after they’d been dug up so burial plots could be resold and reused. In some cases, several bodies were buried in single graves.
And record-keeping was so bad — with records having disintegrated or vanished — that authorities couldn’t tell who was supposed to be buried in each grave.
The scandal prompted a law, passed last year by the Illinois Legislature, requiring cemeteries to provide information to a central database on graves, and establishing a “Consumer Bill of Rights” telling families their options, costs and exactly where their loved one will be buried.
But the Senate has voted 54-2 to eliminate the gravesite database, as well as background checks for cemetery employees, which the law also requires. The former director of a historic south suburban cemetery at the center of a grave-reselling scandal pleaded guilty Friday to criminal charges including dismemberment of a human body and theft and was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison.
By LAUREN FITZPATRICK Sun-Times Media
Carolyn Towns, who for years consoled grieving families as manager of the Burr Oak cemetery, herself wept Friday as she admitted her role in a grave reselling scandal at the historic black burial grounds.
Two years to the day after the scandal blew open, Towns, 51, blamed a gambling addiction, told a judge how sorry she was for the families pained by the scheme she oversaw, and accepted a 12-year prison sentence.
“I am very sorry for this situation and how it has affected my family and the families of the Burr Oak cemetery,” she said quietly. “It was always my goal to treat them with dignity and respect.”
On July 8, 2009, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced that Towns and three other cemetery workers had been digging up graves at the iconic cemetery, dumping the bodies and reselling the plots for cash since at least 2003. Thousands of relatives clamored to the gates, looking for their loved ones’ plots, until Dart declared the 150-acre campus a crime scene.
Lawsuits that ensued against Towns and the cemetery’s parent company resulted in bankruptcy reorganization. A new trustee was appointed in June to restore and run the cemetery where civil rights icon Emmett Till, jazz singer Dinah Washington and many Negro league baseball players are buried.
Towns pleaded guilty to six of the seven original felony counts against her, including dismembering a human body and theft from a place of worship. Investigators said she took some $300,000 over several years.
Judge Frank Castiglione berated her for betraying the trust of the families who sought Towns’ help at a such a vulnerable time.
“The victims in this case are essentially the public,” he said. “The defendant’s actions in these crimes caused — while not physical harm — I believe irreparable emotional and psychological harm.
“There is no way to repair the harm done to those grieving families and friends.”
Towns’ attorney Richard S. Kling said the money she stole fed a terrible gambling addiction, and blinded her sense of what she knew was right.
When the hearing was over, she sat with her husband in the courtroom and cried.
Then she put on sunglasses and, without commenting, walked out with her attorney to a car waiting for her.
Towns will turn herself in on Oct. 31. Castiglione told her he only granted her the delay so she can make arrangements for the care of her elderly mother.
Towns’ former crew and codefendants, foreman Keith Nicks, 47, of Chicago; backhoe operator Maurice “Bear” Dailey, 61, of Robbins; and grave digger Terrence Nicks, 41, of Chicago, still await trial on the same charges.
Prosecutors said Towns would accept cash payments from families of the recently deceased, pocket the money and direct the gravediggers to bury the bodies in graves that already were occupied.
The crew would crush the vaults and caskets in the graves, dump the human remains in the part of the cemetery where they threw garbage and dirt, they said. And they would “double stack” graves to create “bogus graves,” they said.
The case made headlines and led TV newscasts, with revelations about shocking conditions at the cemetery, where investigators found bones and caskets dumped in piles after they’d been dug up so burial plots could be resold and reused. In some cases, several bodies were buried in single graves.
And record-keeping was so bad — with records having disintegrated or vanished — that authorities couldn’t tell who was supposed to be buried in each grave.
The scandal prompted a law, passed last year by the Illinois Legislature, requiring cemeteries to provide information to a central database on graves, and establishing a “Consumer Bill of Rights” telling families their options, costs and exactly where their loved one will be buried.
But the Senate has voted 54-2 to eliminate the gravesite database, as well as background checks for cemetery employees, which the law also requires. The former director of a historic south suburban cemetery at the center of a grave-reselling scandal pleaded guilty Friday to criminal charges including dismemberment of a human body and theft and was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison.
Mum forgives son for fraud attempt
Mum forgives son for fraud attempt
A FAMILY'S trust was bent, but not broken after a gambling addiction led a young man to steal over $10,000 from his own mother, Hervey Bay Magistrates Court heard yesterday.
Kyne Tuterangiora Jade Puhia, 18, pleaded guilty to seven charges of forgery, fraud and attempted fraud after he tried to use his mother's family trust fund cheque book to feed his gambling habit.
Puhia's mother, however, had forgiven her son, said solicitor Justin Geldard.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jeanette Grigoris said Puhia stole 13 cheques in February.
He then forged various amounts on them and cashed or attempted to cash the cheques at ANZ branches in Torquay and Pialba.
Snr Const Grigoris listed a number of amounts said to appear on the stolen cheques, which totalled $10,861.
Puhia had no similar offences on his history, Snr Const Grigoris said.
Mr Geldard submitted a letter of support from his client's mother to the court, and said Puhia was still living in the family home.
Puhia developed his gambling addiction last year after his depression spiralled out of control following the death of his best friend in a traffic accident, the court heard.
Mr Geldard said Puhia was already attempting to pay back the money.
Magistrate Graeme Tatnell told Puhia the consequences of addiction should now be clear to him.
“If you thought about this for one minute, you would have realised you would never get away with it,” Mr Tatnell said.
Due to this being the first time Puhia was charged with an offence of dishonesty, Mr Tatnell said he did not consider a prison sentence.
Instead, he ordered Puhia serve an 18-month probation sentence.
A FAMILY'S trust was bent, but not broken after a gambling addiction led a young man to steal over $10,000 from his own mother, Hervey Bay Magistrates Court heard yesterday.
Kyne Tuterangiora Jade Puhia, 18, pleaded guilty to seven charges of forgery, fraud and attempted fraud after he tried to use his mother's family trust fund cheque book to feed his gambling habit.
Puhia's mother, however, had forgiven her son, said solicitor Justin Geldard.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jeanette Grigoris said Puhia stole 13 cheques in February.
He then forged various amounts on them and cashed or attempted to cash the cheques at ANZ branches in Torquay and Pialba.
Snr Const Grigoris listed a number of amounts said to appear on the stolen cheques, which totalled $10,861.
Puhia had no similar offences on his history, Snr Const Grigoris said.
Mr Geldard submitted a letter of support from his client's mother to the court, and said Puhia was still living in the family home.
Puhia developed his gambling addiction last year after his depression spiralled out of control following the death of his best friend in a traffic accident, the court heard.
Mr Geldard said Puhia was already attempting to pay back the money.
Magistrate Graeme Tatnell told Puhia the consequences of addiction should now be clear to him.
“If you thought about this for one minute, you would have realised you would never get away with it,” Mr Tatnell said.
Due to this being the first time Puhia was charged with an offence of dishonesty, Mr Tatnell said he did not consider a prison sentence.
Instead, he ordered Puhia serve an 18-month probation sentence.
Why so many of us will risk so much. . . on a game of chance
Why so many of us will risk so much. . . on a game of chance
On the face of it, Tony O'Reilly has a good life. The 36-year-old is a senior manager with An Post and has a loving wife and 10-month-old daughter.
But the Kilkenny man was living with a dark secret that has threatened to destroy all he holds dear. His gambling addiction had spiralled so far out of control that he went missing last week, but resurfaced three days later after he was found to have placed a €40,000 bet in Belfast.
This week, his family admitted his gambling had intensified to unmanageable levels in a matter of months. It is thought he wagered several million euro in betting transactions including those placed online and by telephone.
He is helping gardai with their enquiries while An Post conducts an internal audit into a suspected €1.7m fraud on his branch in Gorey, Co Wexford.
The fact that a responsible, unassuming family man like O'Reilly could become so enmeshed in debt has proved to be a sobering reminder about gambling's addictive qualities.
"Addiction to gambling has become far more prevalent than many of us might imagine," says Dr Fiona Weldon, clinical director at one of the country's top addiction rehabilitation facilities, the Dublin-based Rutland Centre.
"We've seen a 300pc rise in people seeking help for gambling as a 'primary addiction' over the past three years. Addiction to gambling increases in a time of recession and the problem is exacerbated by the proliferation of online betting sites.
"Previously, if you wanted to gamble, you'd have to go to a bookies or a casino. Now you can sit at your desk and gamble on your computer or do it anywhere using your smartphone."
Like addiction counsellors nationwide, Dr Weldon sees at first hand the devastation caused by gambling: "It's very sad to see people -- often young men -- who are enslaved by their addiction.
"I've met people -- men aged 24 or 25 -- who are €350,000 in debt. They've gambled their car, house everything.
"Often the first time their partner discovers the extent of the problem is when they discover all the money has been removed from their joint bank account or the mortgage provider notifies them of non-payment."
For those who fall into significant debt, a way out can seem non-existent.
"Normally, these people try to gamble their way out of debt, but it almost never works and even if they do make money, they tend to gamble their winnings," says Dr Weldon.
"Sometimes, they can find themselves in such a dark place that they think the only way out is suicide. Many of the people we'd see at the clinic would have attempted suicide.
"What's particularly striking is just how innocuous their obsession with gambling started. Often, they were in their teens when they began betting among their friends and it quickly got out of control. And it's clear that people are becoming aware of the gambling industry at an earlier age. It's quite common to turn to criminal activity to fund the addiction."
Dr Weldon has also noted an increase in women seeking help. "In the past, women who wanted to gamble may have felt uncomfortable in the traditionally male environment of the bookmakers. Now they can gamble anonymously online," she says.
"The genders tend to approach gambling quite differently -- men often see it as a recreational activity, whereas women tend to gamble on a less interpersonal basis. In some cases, females see gambling as a form of escape.
"Gambling addition has been linked to mental health problems. It can be extremely difficult to 'come off' an addiction to gambling, but it can be done.
"Often addicts have become so desensitised that they don't see the harm they have caused to loved ones.
"Their recovery can happen when they take ownership of their problem and when they become fully aware of how much damage their actions have done to their family and friends.
"Sometimes, avoidance strategies can be employed, where we urge patients to get rid of computers or phones or anything that facilitates online gambling. But the battle gets harder all the time because of the prevalence of betting opportunities."
- John Meagher
On the face of it, Tony O'Reilly has a good life. The 36-year-old is a senior manager with An Post and has a loving wife and 10-month-old daughter.
But the Kilkenny man was living with a dark secret that has threatened to destroy all he holds dear. His gambling addiction had spiralled so far out of control that he went missing last week, but resurfaced three days later after he was found to have placed a €40,000 bet in Belfast.
This week, his family admitted his gambling had intensified to unmanageable levels in a matter of months. It is thought he wagered several million euro in betting transactions including those placed online and by telephone.
He is helping gardai with their enquiries while An Post conducts an internal audit into a suspected €1.7m fraud on his branch in Gorey, Co Wexford.
The fact that a responsible, unassuming family man like O'Reilly could become so enmeshed in debt has proved to be a sobering reminder about gambling's addictive qualities.
"Addiction to gambling has become far more prevalent than many of us might imagine," says Dr Fiona Weldon, clinical director at one of the country's top addiction rehabilitation facilities, the Dublin-based Rutland Centre.
"We've seen a 300pc rise in people seeking help for gambling as a 'primary addiction' over the past three years. Addiction to gambling increases in a time of recession and the problem is exacerbated by the proliferation of online betting sites.
"Previously, if you wanted to gamble, you'd have to go to a bookies or a casino. Now you can sit at your desk and gamble on your computer or do it anywhere using your smartphone."
Like addiction counsellors nationwide, Dr Weldon sees at first hand the devastation caused by gambling: "It's very sad to see people -- often young men -- who are enslaved by their addiction.
"I've met people -- men aged 24 or 25 -- who are €350,000 in debt. They've gambled their car, house everything.
"Often the first time their partner discovers the extent of the problem is when they discover all the money has been removed from their joint bank account or the mortgage provider notifies them of non-payment."
For those who fall into significant debt, a way out can seem non-existent.
"Normally, these people try to gamble their way out of debt, but it almost never works and even if they do make money, they tend to gamble their winnings," says Dr Weldon.
"Sometimes, they can find themselves in such a dark place that they think the only way out is suicide. Many of the people we'd see at the clinic would have attempted suicide.
"What's particularly striking is just how innocuous their obsession with gambling started. Often, they were in their teens when they began betting among their friends and it quickly got out of control. And it's clear that people are becoming aware of the gambling industry at an earlier age. It's quite common to turn to criminal activity to fund the addiction."
Dr Weldon has also noted an increase in women seeking help. "In the past, women who wanted to gamble may have felt uncomfortable in the traditionally male environment of the bookmakers. Now they can gamble anonymously online," she says.
"The genders tend to approach gambling quite differently -- men often see it as a recreational activity, whereas women tend to gamble on a less interpersonal basis. In some cases, females see gambling as a form of escape.
"Gambling addition has been linked to mental health problems. It can be extremely difficult to 'come off' an addiction to gambling, but it can be done.
"Often addicts have become so desensitised that they don't see the harm they have caused to loved ones.
"Their recovery can happen when they take ownership of their problem and when they become fully aware of how much damage their actions have done to their family and friends.
"Sometimes, avoidance strategies can be employed, where we urge patients to get rid of computers or phones or anything that facilitates online gambling. But the battle gets harder all the time because of the prevalence of betting opportunities."
- John Meagher
Chumash and Drunk Drivers
The ongoing protests of Santa Ynez Valley residents are largely ignored in what defines Slot Barns elsewhere - lost local control.
Much as the 2 Connecticut Slot Parlors have dumped drunks onto local roads, Tribal Gambling venues wave the banner of Sovereignty and fail to protect the community.
When Beacon Hill conducted their sham public hearings and debates (that weren't debates), nowhere was the threat of DRUNK DRIVERS considered, yet in the grossly flawed legislation (prepared by Industry, behind closed doors), 24/7/365 FREE ALCOHOL was included.
These are the terms below:
limiting the sale, service and consumption of alcohol between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and between 9 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
COUNTY WITHDRAWS ITS PROTEST OF CHUMASH CASINO LIQUOR LICENSE
By Jeremy Foster, Staff Writer
Before long, the board majority voted 3-2 to send a protest letter to the state licensing department, on the grounds that the casino is within a half-mile vicinity of three elementary schools, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, and the YMCA; would add to an already high concentration of liquor licenses in the area; and may worsen public safety problems in the Valley.
These conditions include banning sales, service or consumption of alcohol on the gaming floor and at the Chumash Café; barring patrons under 18 from using the gaming floor or showroom; ensuring that the sale of alcohol is commensurate with the sale of food; allowing Sheriff’s deputies to inspect the casino when alcohol is being served; requiring casino staff that sells alcohol to receive extra training in the sale and handling of alcoholic beverages; limiting the sale, service and consumption of alcohol between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and between 9 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; and preventing the sale and consumption of alcohol during concerts, boxing and cage-fighting events.
In a letter to Farr, Kathy Cleary, the President of Preservation of Los Olivos, wrote that she learned the Sheriff’s Department had not been sending ABC alcohol and drug arrest reports, which is required by law. She also questioned the wisdom of approving a permit when there have been more than 1,400 arrests reported at the casino (ABC notes it only counts incidences related to the licensed portions of the casino and resort).
Farr said she’s been deluged with emails from Valley residents alarmed about the potential impact of an expanded liquor license on public safety. She said she shared the concern.
“Today, in my district, the alcohol licensees and all of the negative impacts to this community and the public safety impacts are enormous,” she said. “It’s real serious in Isla Vista. This has become a serious issue in Los Olivos – and a very serious issue in Santa Ynez.”
According to Sheriff Brown, the state is poised to take a portion of Indian gambling revenue. These state funds reimburse local law enforcement agencies located near casinos; but this fund “has been held hostage” as state lawmakers propose to slash it from $30 million to $18 million. This would make it difficult to keep nine public safety positions (including five sheriff’s deputies) funded, Brown told the board.
A 28-year Los Olivos resident said she opposed any kind of expansion because of “the atrocious casino track record of drug and alcohol crimes that has been chronicled in the police blotter for the last five years.”
“There’s nothing but expense and fatalities that will result if more liquor licenses occur,” she said. “And there’s certainly no monetary benefit to the county by expanding the casino’s ability to get hard liquor to most of the facilities of the casino grounds and gambling floor. This is just the beginning.”
Farr told the Journal she was “very disappointed” with the board majority’s vote. “I was quite concerned to learn from the sheriff during the hearing that the funding for maintaining the current staffing levels of both law enforcement and firefighters in the Valley is forecast to be sharply reduced by the state during this current fiscal year.”
Today's rosy promises become tomorrow's budget cuts.
Much as the 2 Connecticut Slot Parlors have dumped drunks onto local roads, Tribal Gambling venues wave the banner of Sovereignty and fail to protect the community.
When Beacon Hill conducted their sham public hearings and debates (that weren't debates), nowhere was the threat of DRUNK DRIVERS considered, yet in the grossly flawed legislation (prepared by Industry, behind closed doors), 24/7/365 FREE ALCOHOL was included.
These are the terms below:
limiting the sale, service and consumption of alcohol between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and between 9 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
COUNTY WITHDRAWS ITS PROTEST OF CHUMASH CASINO LIQUOR LICENSE
By Jeremy Foster, Staff Writer
Before long, the board majority voted 3-2 to send a protest letter to the state licensing department, on the grounds that the casino is within a half-mile vicinity of three elementary schools, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, and the YMCA; would add to an already high concentration of liquor licenses in the area; and may worsen public safety problems in the Valley.
These conditions include banning sales, service or consumption of alcohol on the gaming floor and at the Chumash Café; barring patrons under 18 from using the gaming floor or showroom; ensuring that the sale of alcohol is commensurate with the sale of food; allowing Sheriff’s deputies to inspect the casino when alcohol is being served; requiring casino staff that sells alcohol to receive extra training in the sale and handling of alcoholic beverages; limiting the sale, service and consumption of alcohol between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and between 9 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; and preventing the sale and consumption of alcohol during concerts, boxing and cage-fighting events.
In a letter to Farr, Kathy Cleary, the President of Preservation of Los Olivos, wrote that she learned the Sheriff’s Department had not been sending ABC alcohol and drug arrest reports, which is required by law. She also questioned the wisdom of approving a permit when there have been more than 1,400 arrests reported at the casino (ABC notes it only counts incidences related to the licensed portions of the casino and resort).
Farr said she’s been deluged with emails from Valley residents alarmed about the potential impact of an expanded liquor license on public safety. She said she shared the concern.
“Today, in my district, the alcohol licensees and all of the negative impacts to this community and the public safety impacts are enormous,” she said. “It’s real serious in Isla Vista. This has become a serious issue in Los Olivos – and a very serious issue in Santa Ynez.”
According to Sheriff Brown, the state is poised to take a portion of Indian gambling revenue. These state funds reimburse local law enforcement agencies located near casinos; but this fund “has been held hostage” as state lawmakers propose to slash it from $30 million to $18 million. This would make it difficult to keep nine public safety positions (including five sheriff’s deputies) funded, Brown told the board.
A 28-year Los Olivos resident said she opposed any kind of expansion because of “the atrocious casino track record of drug and alcohol crimes that has been chronicled in the police blotter for the last five years.”
“There’s nothing but expense and fatalities that will result if more liquor licenses occur,” she said. “And there’s certainly no monetary benefit to the county by expanding the casino’s ability to get hard liquor to most of the facilities of the casino grounds and gambling floor. This is just the beginning.”
Farr told the Journal she was “very disappointed” with the board majority’s vote. “I was quite concerned to learn from the sheriff during the hearing that the funding for maintaining the current staffing levels of both law enforcement and firefighters in the Valley is forecast to be sharply reduced by the state during this current fiscal year.”
Today's rosy promises become tomorrow's budget cuts.
From Jordan Times: Casino case and muzzling the media
It happens all over:
From Jordan Times: Casino case and muzzling the media
By DAOUD KUTTAB
JORDAN TIMES
The Jordanian public has been mesmerized these past weeks with the casino case debate in parliament, in which senior government officials have been charged with a variety of administrative errors and crimes. The 70-page detailed report faults 33 individuals, including the prime minister, with wrongdoing. But while the parliament and country have been focused on the actions of the first Bakhit government, a much more serious strategic problem was revealed in these findings.
A close read of the report shows a dysfunctional, chaotic system surrounding the prime ministry. The detailed report of the parliamentary committee exposes a haphazard institution which lacks basic checks and balances needed for the proper functioning of a government. It is not clear whether some of the problems present during the first Bakhit government continue today.
From these interactions springs the need for serious reform in the way government functions and the continuation of media reform in order to allow the latter to be the watchdog of the government.
Much the same might be said of the media silence about the closed door meetings on Beacon Hill.
From Jordan Times: Casino case and muzzling the media
By DAOUD KUTTAB
JORDAN TIMES
The Jordanian public has been mesmerized these past weeks with the casino case debate in parliament, in which senior government officials have been charged with a variety of administrative errors and crimes. The 70-page detailed report faults 33 individuals, including the prime minister, with wrongdoing. But while the parliament and country have been focused on the actions of the first Bakhit government, a much more serious strategic problem was revealed in these findings.
A close read of the report shows a dysfunctional, chaotic system surrounding the prime ministry. The detailed report of the parliamentary committee exposes a haphazard institution which lacks basic checks and balances needed for the proper functioning of a government. It is not clear whether some of the problems present during the first Bakhit government continue today.
From these interactions springs the need for serious reform in the way government functions and the continuation of media reform in order to allow the latter to be the watchdog of the government.
Much the same might be said of the media silence about the closed door meetings on Beacon Hill.
Alabama: Lobbyist testifies
Alabama casino lobbyist testifies against casino owner, state senator in gambling trial
PHILLIP RAWLS Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A casino lobbyist who pleaded guilty to bribery testified Friday that Alabama's largest casino owner participated in a scheme to buy a state senator's vote with a multimillion dollar offer.
That senator was wearing a recording device for the FBI, and one of his tapes was used by prosecutors Friday to back up the testimony of Country Crossing lobbyist Jarrod Massey.
Massey said he arranged a meeting between his boss, Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley, VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor, and Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale at his Montgomery lobbying firm on Feb. 18, 2010.
On the tape, McGregor told Beason that he had borrowed $200 million and needed to pass pro-gambling legislation to protect his electronic bingo casino in Shorter, which was the state's largest until it closed last year.
Gilley was taped offering Beason a public relations job with the company that handled publicity for Gilley's casino in Dothan and his Bama Jam outdoor music festivals. He also talked about giving Beason campaign money that he could use for himself and could distribute to other Republicans to help build Beason's stature in the Republican Party.
McGregor was recorded saying: "I am in 100 percent agreement with what you just said."
He also told Beason: "Ronnie and I are just alike in that we've got a bad habit of supporting our friends."
Massey said he met with and called Beason later to explain that the offer was worth $1 million a year and to assure him the two casino owners would stand by their offers even if the pro-gambling legislation failed.
He said he began to suspect Beason was recording him. "If I was ever recorded I knew it wasn't going to go over well," he testified. But he said he carried on because the electronic bingo games were producing millions.
Gilley testified earlier in the 5-week-old trial that he had promised Massey a portion of the revenue from his casino's games in Dothan.
Gilley and McGregor were pushing a proposed constitutional amendment to protect electronic bingo machines from raids by state police. The legislation passed the Senate on March 30, 2010, without Beason's support, but it died in the House after the FBI revealed it was investigating Statehouse corruption.
Massey and Gilley pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe legislators and are helping prosecutors in the trial of McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four present and former state senators, a former County Crossing spokesman and a former legislative employee. They are accused of buying and selling votes on the pro-gambling legislation.
McGregor's lawyers portray Massey and Gilley as the real culprits who are now trying to incriminate others to try to shorten their sentences.
Massey testified Friday in a red jailhouse jumpsuit but without the handcuffs and shackles he wore when he began his testimony Thursday afternoon. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson told jurors that he ordered the restraints removed because Massey would be handling many documents in his testimony, which is expected to continue through Monday.
Beason began helping the FBI with its investigation of Statehouse corruption after attending a dinner meeting with Massey, Gilley, country singer John Anderson and other Country Crossing backers at an upscale Montgomery restaurant on March 4, 2009.
Massey testified that indicted state Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb helped organize the dinner to try to get the votes of Beason and Rep. Benjamin Lewis of Dothan, another Republican who traditionally opposed gambling legislation. Country Crossing was in Lewis' and Smith's legislative districts.
Massey said campaign donations and votes are not normally discussed together to avoid any questions about engaging in illegal vote selling, but Smith mentioned several times that Country Crossings' backers could help candidates.
"She acknowledged these guys can be helpful to you. They can raise a great deal of money," Massey testified.
Smith voted for the gambling legislation when the Senate passed it in March 2010.
Massey testified against several other defendants Friday.
Massey said McGregor's indicted lobbyists, Tom Coker and Bob Geddie, coordinated the large team of lobbyists representing casino owners.
He said indicted Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker came up with the idea of offering to buy trucks from the Talladega dealership of indicted Sen. Jim Preuitt in order to secure his vote for the gambling legislation.
Preuitt voted for the bill, but no trucks were ever purchased.
Preuitt may have been helped by a recorded phone call between Massey and Walker that was played in court. In the call, Massey said Preuitt "is an odd bird. It ain't about the money with him."
PHILLIP RAWLS Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A casino lobbyist who pleaded guilty to bribery testified Friday that Alabama's largest casino owner participated in a scheme to buy a state senator's vote with a multimillion dollar offer.
That senator was wearing a recording device for the FBI, and one of his tapes was used by prosecutors Friday to back up the testimony of Country Crossing lobbyist Jarrod Massey.
Massey said he arranged a meeting between his boss, Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley, VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor, and Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale at his Montgomery lobbying firm on Feb. 18, 2010.
On the tape, McGregor told Beason that he had borrowed $200 million and needed to pass pro-gambling legislation to protect his electronic bingo casino in Shorter, which was the state's largest until it closed last year.
Gilley was taped offering Beason a public relations job with the company that handled publicity for Gilley's casino in Dothan and his Bama Jam outdoor music festivals. He also talked about giving Beason campaign money that he could use for himself and could distribute to other Republicans to help build Beason's stature in the Republican Party.
McGregor was recorded saying: "I am in 100 percent agreement with what you just said."
He also told Beason: "Ronnie and I are just alike in that we've got a bad habit of supporting our friends."
Massey said he met with and called Beason later to explain that the offer was worth $1 million a year and to assure him the two casino owners would stand by their offers even if the pro-gambling legislation failed.
He said he began to suspect Beason was recording him. "If I was ever recorded I knew it wasn't going to go over well," he testified. But he said he carried on because the electronic bingo games were producing millions.
Gilley testified earlier in the 5-week-old trial that he had promised Massey a portion of the revenue from his casino's games in Dothan.
Gilley and McGregor were pushing a proposed constitutional amendment to protect electronic bingo machines from raids by state police. The legislation passed the Senate on March 30, 2010, without Beason's support, but it died in the House after the FBI revealed it was investigating Statehouse corruption.
Massey and Gilley pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe legislators and are helping prosecutors in the trial of McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four present and former state senators, a former County Crossing spokesman and a former legislative employee. They are accused of buying and selling votes on the pro-gambling legislation.
McGregor's lawyers portray Massey and Gilley as the real culprits who are now trying to incriminate others to try to shorten their sentences.
Massey testified Friday in a red jailhouse jumpsuit but without the handcuffs and shackles he wore when he began his testimony Thursday afternoon. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson told jurors that he ordered the restraints removed because Massey would be handling many documents in his testimony, which is expected to continue through Monday.
Beason began helping the FBI with its investigation of Statehouse corruption after attending a dinner meeting with Massey, Gilley, country singer John Anderson and other Country Crossing backers at an upscale Montgomery restaurant on March 4, 2009.
Massey testified that indicted state Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb helped organize the dinner to try to get the votes of Beason and Rep. Benjamin Lewis of Dothan, another Republican who traditionally opposed gambling legislation. Country Crossing was in Lewis' and Smith's legislative districts.
Massey said campaign donations and votes are not normally discussed together to avoid any questions about engaging in illegal vote selling, but Smith mentioned several times that Country Crossings' backers could help candidates.
"She acknowledged these guys can be helpful to you. They can raise a great deal of money," Massey testified.
Smith voted for the gambling legislation when the Senate passed it in March 2010.
Massey testified against several other defendants Friday.
Massey said McGregor's indicted lobbyists, Tom Coker and Bob Geddie, coordinated the large team of lobbyists representing casino owners.
He said indicted Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker came up with the idea of offering to buy trucks from the Talladega dealership of indicted Sen. Jim Preuitt in order to secure his vote for the gambling legislation.
Preuitt voted for the bill, but no trucks were ever purchased.
Preuitt may have been helped by a recorded phone call between Massey and Walker that was played in court. In the call, Massey said Preuitt "is an odd bird. It ain't about the money with him."
Friday, July 8, 2011
Casino Surveillance Footage Used to Prosecute Gambling Addict
PITTSBURGH - The casino surveillance footage showing former Braddock Manager Ella Jones withdrawing more than $40,000 she stole from taxpayers to feed her gambling addiction helped investigators seal the case against her. Casinos that Jones, 58, of Turtle Creek visited included The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in North Strabane and Rivers Casino on the North Shore, her lawyer Phil DiLucente said. "I represent heroin addicts, alcoholics, people that are sex addicts, and I think gambling is the most addictive out of all of them," DiLucente said. "With gambling, you could lose every single thing you ever worked for on a roll of the dice. By Jeremy Boren, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. About 1,260 words.
N.J. Advisor Admits To Gambling Away Client Money
N.J. Advisor Admits To Gambling Away Client Money
A former N.J. financial advisor has pleaded guilty to stealing $1.9 million in client money and losing most of it to feed an online gambling addiction.
Daniel J. Trolaro, 35, of Hawthorne, N.J., admitted to state Superior Court Judge Thomas V. Manahan in Morristown, N.J., to one count of theft of $1.9 million between 2008 and 2010, on Wednesday, according to the New Jersey State Office of the Attorney General. Most of his victim were New Jersey residents.
According to Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Ronald Chillemi, Trolaro pleaded guilty to second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property. The charge was contained in a state grand jury indictment returned on August 24, 2010.
A licensed insurance producer, securities dealer and certified financial planner, Trolaro worked for Prudential Insurance Company of America's agency in East Hanover, N.J.
Trolaro admitted that between June 4, 2008, and February 12, 2010, he stole $1,918,000 that nine clients placed under his management for investment purposes. Instead of investing the funds, Trolaro lost most of the money in online gambling, according to prosecutors. The amounts stolen from teach of the clients ranged from $46,000 to $910,000.
After discovering the fraud, Prudential fired Trolaro and referred the matter to the N.J. Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor for further investigation. Prudential has paid the victims all of their losses so they have been made whole.
Trolaro is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Trolaro be sentenced to ten years in state prison. He must pay full restitution to Prudential Insurance Company.
—Jim McConville
A former N.J. financial advisor has pleaded guilty to stealing $1.9 million in client money and losing most of it to feed an online gambling addiction.
Daniel J. Trolaro, 35, of Hawthorne, N.J., admitted to state Superior Court Judge Thomas V. Manahan in Morristown, N.J., to one count of theft of $1.9 million between 2008 and 2010, on Wednesday, according to the New Jersey State Office of the Attorney General. Most of his victim were New Jersey residents.
According to Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Ronald Chillemi, Trolaro pleaded guilty to second-degree theft by failure to make required disposition of property. The charge was contained in a state grand jury indictment returned on August 24, 2010.
A licensed insurance producer, securities dealer and certified financial planner, Trolaro worked for Prudential Insurance Company of America's agency in East Hanover, N.J.
Trolaro admitted that between June 4, 2008, and February 12, 2010, he stole $1,918,000 that nine clients placed under his management for investment purposes. Instead of investing the funds, Trolaro lost most of the money in online gambling, according to prosecutors. The amounts stolen from teach of the clients ranged from $46,000 to $910,000.
After discovering the fraud, Prudential fired Trolaro and referred the matter to the N.J. Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor for further investigation. Prudential has paid the victims all of their losses so they have been made whole.
Trolaro is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Trolaro be sentenced to ten years in state prison. He must pay full restitution to Prudential Insurance Company.
—Jim McConville
Former Hudson priest sentenced on theft charge
Former Hudson priest sentenced on theft charge
By Chuck Rupnow Leader-Telegram staff Leader-Telegram
A Hudson priest who resigned under allegations that he stole funds from an account used to help needy families was sentenced Thursday in St. Croix County Court.
The Rev. Daniel J. Dahlberg, 68, of Superior, who admitted to having a gambling addiction, entered into a two-year deferred prosecution agreement on a felony theft charge and was placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to a count of misdemeanor theft.
Dahlberg, who has been receiving gambling addiction treatment, according to court records, will not be sentenced on the felony charge unless he violates conditions of the agreement.
Dahlberg already has paid $13,000 in restitution to St. Patrick Catholic Church, but was ordered Thursday to pay an additional $250. He also was ordered to continue treatment, perform 100 hours of community service and not gamble.
St. Patrick officials reported $10,800 was missing from a charity account used to help the needy. Dahlberg spoke to parishioners March 20 and resigned the next day. He had sole control of the account.
According to the criminal complaint:
The account in question was used for gasoline, rent, vehicle repairs, utility bills, food and other items of families in need.
Reports indicate that starting in August 2009 Dahlberg wrote checks and endorsed them to cash for personal use. Dahlberg told a church official in February that he used $3,500 for car repairs and gambling. An internal audit indicated $10,800 was missing and Dahlberg told police he used it for gambling.
Dahlberg came to Hudson in 2009. He previously worked in several northwestern Wisconsin communities: Rice Lake (1967-1972), Barron/Cameron (1972-1977), New Richmond (1977-1984), Iron River/Port Wing/Herbster (1985), River Falls (1985-1994), Osceola/Centuria/Balsam Lake (1994-1998) and Superior (1998-2009).
Dahlberg was placed on administrative leave by Bishop Peter Christensen of the Catholic Diocese of Superior.
By Chuck Rupnow Leader-Telegram staff Leader-Telegram
A Hudson priest who resigned under allegations that he stole funds from an account used to help needy families was sentenced Thursday in St. Croix County Court.
The Rev. Daniel J. Dahlberg, 68, of Superior, who admitted to having a gambling addiction, entered into a two-year deferred prosecution agreement on a felony theft charge and was placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to a count of misdemeanor theft.
Dahlberg, who has been receiving gambling addiction treatment, according to court records, will not be sentenced on the felony charge unless he violates conditions of the agreement.
Dahlberg already has paid $13,000 in restitution to St. Patrick Catholic Church, but was ordered Thursday to pay an additional $250. He also was ordered to continue treatment, perform 100 hours of community service and not gamble.
St. Patrick officials reported $10,800 was missing from a charity account used to help the needy. Dahlberg spoke to parishioners March 20 and resigned the next day. He had sole control of the account.
According to the criminal complaint:
The account in question was used for gasoline, rent, vehicle repairs, utility bills, food and other items of families in need.
Reports indicate that starting in August 2009 Dahlberg wrote checks and endorsed them to cash for personal use. Dahlberg told a church official in February that he used $3,500 for car repairs and gambling. An internal audit indicated $10,800 was missing and Dahlberg told police he used it for gambling.
Dahlberg came to Hudson in 2009. He previously worked in several northwestern Wisconsin communities: Rice Lake (1967-1972), Barron/Cameron (1972-1977), New Richmond (1977-1984), Iron River/Port Wing/Herbster (1985), River Falls (1985-1994), Osceola/Centuria/Balsam Lake (1994-1998) and Superior (1998-2009).
Dahlberg was placed on administrative leave by Bishop Peter Christensen of the Catholic Diocese of Superior.
Colorado: Collecting From Gambling Addicts
Gambling Addicts shirk their responsibilities and ignore their obligations, yet somehow, Colorado proclaims a solution, when the problem is ignored.
Interesting!
Colorado Department of Revenue Takes Its Gambling Intercept Payment System One Step Further with Court Ordered Restitution
Gambling winnings can now be intercepted by casinos and racetracks to compensate crime victims
DENVER, Jul 08, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- On July 1, 2011 Colorado casinos and racetracks began diverting gambling winnings from people who owe restitution to crime victims.
The new law is an update of a 2008 statute that requires the Department of Revenue to intercept outstanding child support from casino and racetrack cash winnings in excess of $1,200.
"This Gambling Intercept Payment system has been extremely successful in recovering delinquent child support payments, "said Roxy Huber, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue. "To date, Department of Revenue has recovered more than $1.1 million for Colorado's children."
Colorado was the first State to require casinos to intercept cash winnings for Colorado court-ordered child support payments. Since then, several States have followed suit including Louisiana and Indiana.
Interesting!
Colorado Department of Revenue Takes Its Gambling Intercept Payment System One Step Further with Court Ordered Restitution
Gambling winnings can now be intercepted by casinos and racetracks to compensate crime victims
DENVER, Jul 08, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- On July 1, 2011 Colorado casinos and racetracks began diverting gambling winnings from people who owe restitution to crime victims.
The new law is an update of a 2008 statute that requires the Department of Revenue to intercept outstanding child support from casino and racetrack cash winnings in excess of $1,200.
"This Gambling Intercept Payment system has been extremely successful in recovering delinquent child support payments, "said Roxy Huber, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue. "To date, Department of Revenue has recovered more than $1.1 million for Colorado's children."
Colorado was the first State to require casinos to intercept cash winnings for Colorado court-ordered child support payments. Since then, several States have followed suit including Louisiana and Indiana.
Alabama: Can Gilley Be believed?
Can Gilley Be believed?
If he hadn’t realized it before now, casino developer Ronnie Gilley learned this week that messing around in Montgomery is no joke.
In his sixth day on the witness stand in the gambling corruption trial that has transfixed Alabama’s capital this summer, Gilley sweated through a grueling cross-examination in which he claimed to have no head for numbers and showed he apparently has no sense of right and wrong.
Under questioning by the defense attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith, Gilley admitted that he had bragged of raising $250,000 for Smith at a concert when the real figure was closer to $7,000. Although he had testified earlier that he paid two singers $60,000 to appear at the fundraiser for Smith, he admitted in court on Thursday that he’d paid the musicians only $40,000. And his plan, caught on tape, to bring country music star George Jones to Sen. Jim Preuitt’s car dealership and buy a fleet of trucks to help in Preuitt’s re-election campaign?
“The George Jones scenario was a joke,” Gilley testified.
A joke!
Not funny.
Gilley has already pleaded guilty to the charges against him, and his sentence likely will hinge at least in part on the extent of his cooperation in the prosecution of the other defendants.
Cooperation, however, does not mean changing his story with every telling or inflating the amounts of the bribes he claims to have offered legislators in exchange for their votes. Gilley has told so many different versions of his involvement that jurors will have difficulty believing anything he’s said.
Peoples’ reputations already have been destroyed by Gilley’s pranks, and now their freedom is at stake.
If it isn’t already clear to him after Thursday, here’s the straight dope: Gilley needs to stop joking around and tell the unadulterated truth.
In his sixth day on the witness stand in the gambling corruption trial that has transfixed Alabama’s capital this summer, Gilley sweated through a grueling cross-examination in which he claimed to have no head for numbers and showed he apparently has no sense of right and wrong.
Under questioning by the defense attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith, Gilley admitted that he had bragged of raising $250,000 for Smith at a concert when the real figure was closer to $7,000. Although he had testified earlier that he paid two singers $60,000 to appear at the fundraiser for Smith, he admitted in court on Thursday that he’d paid the musicians only $40,000. And his plan, caught on tape, to bring country music star George Jones to Sen. Jim Preuitt’s car dealership and buy a fleet of trucks to help in Preuitt’s re-election campaign?
“The George Jones scenario was a joke,” Gilley testified.
A joke!
Not funny.
Gilley has already pleaded guilty to the charges against him, and his sentence likely will hinge at least in part on the extent of his cooperation in the prosecution of the other defendants.
Cooperation, however, does not mean changing his story with every telling or inflating the amounts of the bribes he claims to have offered legislators in exchange for their votes. Gilley has told so many different versions of his involvement that jurors will have difficulty believing anything he’s said.
Peoples’ reputations already have been destroyed by Gilley’s pranks, and now their freedom is at stake.
If it isn’t already clear to him after Thursday, here’s the straight dope: Gilley needs to stop joking around and tell the unadulterated truth.
If he hadn’t realized it before now, casino developer Ronnie Gilley learned this week that messing around in Montgomery is no joke.
In his sixth day on the witness stand in the gambling corruption trial that has transfixed Alabama’s capital this summer, Gilley sweated through a grueling cross-examination in which he claimed to have no head for numbers and showed he apparently has no sense of right and wrong.
Under questioning by the defense attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith, Gilley admitted that he had bragged of raising $250,000 for Smith at a concert when the real figure was closer to $7,000. Although he had testified earlier that he paid two singers $60,000 to appear at the fundraiser for Smith, he admitted in court on Thursday that he’d paid the musicians only $40,000. And his plan, caught on tape, to bring country music star George Jones to Sen. Jim Preuitt’s car dealership and buy a fleet of trucks to help in Preuitt’s re-election campaign?
“The George Jones scenario was a joke,” Gilley testified.
A joke!
Not funny.
Gilley has already pleaded guilty to the charges against him, and his sentence likely will hinge at least in part on the extent of his cooperation in the prosecution of the other defendants.
Cooperation, however, does not mean changing his story with every telling or inflating the amounts of the bribes he claims to have offered legislators in exchange for their votes. Gilley has told so many different versions of his involvement that jurors will have difficulty believing anything he’s said.
Peoples’ reputations already have been destroyed by Gilley’s pranks, and now their freedom is at stake.
If it isn’t already clear to him after Thursday, here’s the straight dope: Gilley needs to stop joking around and tell the unadulterated truth.
In his sixth day on the witness stand in the gambling corruption trial that has transfixed Alabama’s capital this summer, Gilley sweated through a grueling cross-examination in which he claimed to have no head for numbers and showed he apparently has no sense of right and wrong.
Under questioning by the defense attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith, Gilley admitted that he had bragged of raising $250,000 for Smith at a concert when the real figure was closer to $7,000. Although he had testified earlier that he paid two singers $60,000 to appear at the fundraiser for Smith, he admitted in court on Thursday that he’d paid the musicians only $40,000. And his plan, caught on tape, to bring country music star George Jones to Sen. Jim Preuitt’s car dealership and buy a fleet of trucks to help in Preuitt’s re-election campaign?
“The George Jones scenario was a joke,” Gilley testified.
A joke!
Not funny.
Gilley has already pleaded guilty to the charges against him, and his sentence likely will hinge at least in part on the extent of his cooperation in the prosecution of the other defendants.
Cooperation, however, does not mean changing his story with every telling or inflating the amounts of the bribes he claims to have offered legislators in exchange for their votes. Gilley has told so many different versions of his involvement that jurors will have difficulty believing anything he’s said.
Peoples’ reputations already have been destroyed by Gilley’s pranks, and now their freedom is at stake.
If it isn’t already clear to him after Thursday, here’s the straight dope: Gilley needs to stop joking around and tell the unadulterated truth.
Ill. Gaming Board urges Quinn not to sign casino bill
Unlike Massachusetts, it seems that leaders in Illinois actually read the gambling legislation:
"As a matter of fact the more you read the bill, the more you realize how bad it is," he said.
Ill. Gaming Board urges Quinn not to sign casino bill
Charles Thomas
July 7, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Governor Pat Quinn has been asking for opinions on the new gambling expansion bill. The measure would make Illinois the biggest gambling center in the Midwest.
The measure would make Chicago the biggest gambling center in the Midwest. The governor is trying to decide if he will sign the bill. On Thursday, the Illinois Gaming Board said absolutely not.
Thursday may have been the make-or-break day for the recently-passed bill to expand gambling in Illinois. Gaming board members told Governor Pat Quinn Thursday afternoon that the bill would expose Illinois' casino industry to criminals.
Having chaired the Illinois Gaming Board for the six years, retired judge Aaron Jaffe is considered the state's leading expert on legalized gambling. He stands by his proclamation three weeks ago that the gambling expansion bill, passed by the general assembly in May, is garbage.
"As a matter of fact the more you read the bill, the more you realize how bad it is," he said.
Jaffe and members of his board met with the governor Thursday afternoon to urge Quinn not to sign the expansion bill. It would add four new casinos including one in the city of Chicago as well as slot machines at racetracks and at airports, effectively tripling the number of gaming positions in the state. Jaffe is concerned that law to keep criminals away cannot be enforced under the proposed bill.
"I do not believe it can be enforced properly as written at this time," said Jaffe.
Quinn -- who throughout his political career has been wary of gambling as a revenue source -- has called Jaffe's opinion "critical" to whether he decides to sign or veto the bill.
"Any time you talk about gambling, the first thing you should talk about is integrity and making sure the regulation is second to none," said Quinn.
Jaffe is concerned that unlike casino workers, under the pending bill employees at racetracks with slot machines would not have to be fingerprinted during their criminal background checks.
"So if they can't be taken at the racetrack, how are we going to vet people?" said Jaffe.
He says the expansion bill will allow thousands of new casino employees to get their licenses on a provisional basis before they are fully vetted.
"Anything can happen in a casino. Anything from petty crimes to money laundering or anything else. You're afraid then that some unsavory types could actually get their licenses before they could be pulled? Oh absolutely, absolutely," said Jaffe.
Before his meeting with Jaffe, the governor heard from gambling expansion supporters from downstate Danville where the pending bill would locate one of the four new Illinois casinos.
"I do think it's important to hear from everybody. I'm open minded to listening to people. I think that's a good way to get a good outcome," said Quinn.
The Senate president, John Cullerton, has not sent the bill to the governor's office yet so Quinn could have until the fall to hear both sides on the issue.
Quinn said he was unsure why the bill had not reached his desk yet. The conventional wisdom is that Senate President John Cullerton is afraid Quinn would veto the bill immediately.
If the bill goes back to the legislature for alterations, there is a chance that House Speaker Michael Madigan, who recused himself during the vote on this bill but is firmly opposed to gambling expansion, might kill it.
"As a matter of fact the more you read the bill, the more you realize how bad it is," he said.
Ill. Gaming Board urges Quinn not to sign casino bill
Charles Thomas
July 7, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Governor Pat Quinn has been asking for opinions on the new gambling expansion bill. The measure would make Illinois the biggest gambling center in the Midwest.
The measure would make Chicago the biggest gambling center in the Midwest. The governor is trying to decide if he will sign the bill. On Thursday, the Illinois Gaming Board said absolutely not.
Thursday may have been the make-or-break day for the recently-passed bill to expand gambling in Illinois. Gaming board members told Governor Pat Quinn Thursday afternoon that the bill would expose Illinois' casino industry to criminals.
Having chaired the Illinois Gaming Board for the six years, retired judge Aaron Jaffe is considered the state's leading expert on legalized gambling. He stands by his proclamation three weeks ago that the gambling expansion bill, passed by the general assembly in May, is garbage.
"As a matter of fact the more you read the bill, the more you realize how bad it is," he said.
Jaffe and members of his board met with the governor Thursday afternoon to urge Quinn not to sign the expansion bill. It would add four new casinos including one in the city of Chicago as well as slot machines at racetracks and at airports, effectively tripling the number of gaming positions in the state. Jaffe is concerned that law to keep criminals away cannot be enforced under the proposed bill.
"I do not believe it can be enforced properly as written at this time," said Jaffe.
Quinn -- who throughout his political career has been wary of gambling as a revenue source -- has called Jaffe's opinion "critical" to whether he decides to sign or veto the bill.
"Any time you talk about gambling, the first thing you should talk about is integrity and making sure the regulation is second to none," said Quinn.
Jaffe is concerned that unlike casino workers, under the pending bill employees at racetracks with slot machines would not have to be fingerprinted during their criminal background checks.
"So if they can't be taken at the racetrack, how are we going to vet people?" said Jaffe.
He says the expansion bill will allow thousands of new casino employees to get their licenses on a provisional basis before they are fully vetted.
"Anything can happen in a casino. Anything from petty crimes to money laundering or anything else. You're afraid then that some unsavory types could actually get their licenses before they could be pulled? Oh absolutely, absolutely," said Jaffe.
Before his meeting with Jaffe, the governor heard from gambling expansion supporters from downstate Danville where the pending bill would locate one of the four new Illinois casinos.
"I do think it's important to hear from everybody. I'm open minded to listening to people. I think that's a good way to get a good outcome," said Quinn.
The Senate president, John Cullerton, has not sent the bill to the governor's office yet so Quinn could have until the fall to hear both sides on the issue.
Quinn said he was unsure why the bill had not reached his desk yet. The conventional wisdom is that Senate President John Cullerton is afraid Quinn would veto the bill immediately.
If the bill goes back to the legislature for alterations, there is a chance that House Speaker Michael Madigan, who recused himself during the vote on this bill but is firmly opposed to gambling expansion, might kill it.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Alabama casino owner bragged about passing bill
Alabama casino owner bragged about passing bill
By PHILLIP RAWLS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley admitted Wednesday that he bragged to people that he and his lobbyists, not VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor, were responsible for passing pro-gambling legislation in Alabama.
Gilley, who has pleaded guilty to offering bribes, returned to the witness stand Wednesday in Alabama's gambling corruption trial after being out for a week due to illness. He is a key prosecution witness in the trial of McGregor and eight others accused of conspiring with Gilley to buy and sell votes on pro-gambling legislation.
Defense attorneys used Gilley's own words, captured in FBI wiretaps on his phones, to attack his credibility in the fifth week of the trial.
In one taped phone call to a Gulfport, Miss., casino operator, Gilley said he and McGregor were having disagreements about how to pass the gambling legislation. Gilley recounted how he told McGregor that he needed to go along with Gilley's style of doing things and that he warned McGregor, "We are going to do it with you or without you."
Bill Baxley, defense attorney for McGregor lobbyist Tom Coker, quizzed Gilley about his relationship with McGregor.
"I had several disagreements with Mr. McGregor," Gilley testified.
In earlier testimony, Gilley credited McGregor with directing their legislative strategy.
Baxley asked Gilley if he made phone calls, recorded by the FBI, in which he bragged to investors in his Country Crossing casino in Dothan that he and his lobbyists were responsible for getting the state Senate to pass pro-casino legislation on March 30, 2010.
"I did," he answered.
In a loud exchange, Baxley asked Gilley if he told multiple lies in hopes of staying out of jail before he pleaded guilty in April.
"Just like everybody else in here is doing the same thing," he replied.
The gambling legislation was a proposed constitutional amendment to protect electronic bingo casinos like Gilley's Country Crossing and McGregor's VictoryLand in Shorter from raids by state police. The bill died in the House after the FBI disclosed its investigation of Statehouse corruption.
The Country Crossing and VictoryLand casinos closed last year under pressure from the governor's gambling task force.
Gilley admitted Wednesday that Country Crossing never turned a profit in its two months of operation and he never made money on his Bama Jam outdoor music festivals in Enterprise. He said he took a third mortgage on his Enterprise home to finance Country Crossing because investors kept pulling out.
"I'm dead broke as we sit here right now," he testified.
The 46-year-old developer has a plea deal with the prosecution that calls for a prison sentence of 20 to 27 years, but that could be shortened based on his cooperation with prosecutors.
Defense attorneys told the judge Wednesday that Gilley's attorney, David Harrison, has told people that Gilley expects a sentence of five years or less based on his cooperation.
Gilley testified Wednesday that he expects his sentencing, now scheduled for November, to be postponed because he won't be finished cooperating with the federal government. He said he has been vague when people ask what sentence he expects.
Gilley will return to the witness stand Thursday for a sixth day of testimony.
Gilley's two lobbyists, Jarrod Massey and Jennifer Pouncy, have also pleaded guilty to offering bribes and are cooperating with the prosecution. Prosecutor Justin Shur said they will testify after Gilley.
By PHILLIP RAWLS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley admitted Wednesday that he bragged to people that he and his lobbyists, not VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor, were responsible for passing pro-gambling legislation in Alabama.
Gilley, who has pleaded guilty to offering bribes, returned to the witness stand Wednesday in Alabama's gambling corruption trial after being out for a week due to illness. He is a key prosecution witness in the trial of McGregor and eight others accused of conspiring with Gilley to buy and sell votes on pro-gambling legislation.
Defense attorneys used Gilley's own words, captured in FBI wiretaps on his phones, to attack his credibility in the fifth week of the trial.
In one taped phone call to a Gulfport, Miss., casino operator, Gilley said he and McGregor were having disagreements about how to pass the gambling legislation. Gilley recounted how he told McGregor that he needed to go along with Gilley's style of doing things and that he warned McGregor, "We are going to do it with you or without you."
Bill Baxley, defense attorney for McGregor lobbyist Tom Coker, quizzed Gilley about his relationship with McGregor.
"I had several disagreements with Mr. McGregor," Gilley testified.
In earlier testimony, Gilley credited McGregor with directing their legislative strategy.
Baxley asked Gilley if he made phone calls, recorded by the FBI, in which he bragged to investors in his Country Crossing casino in Dothan that he and his lobbyists were responsible for getting the state Senate to pass pro-casino legislation on March 30, 2010.
"I did," he answered.
In a loud exchange, Baxley asked Gilley if he told multiple lies in hopes of staying out of jail before he pleaded guilty in April.
"Just like everybody else in here is doing the same thing," he replied.
The gambling legislation was a proposed constitutional amendment to protect electronic bingo casinos like Gilley's Country Crossing and McGregor's VictoryLand in Shorter from raids by state police. The bill died in the House after the FBI disclosed its investigation of Statehouse corruption.
The Country Crossing and VictoryLand casinos closed last year under pressure from the governor's gambling task force.
Gilley admitted Wednesday that Country Crossing never turned a profit in its two months of operation and he never made money on his Bama Jam outdoor music festivals in Enterprise. He said he took a third mortgage on his Enterprise home to finance Country Crossing because investors kept pulling out.
"I'm dead broke as we sit here right now," he testified.
The 46-year-old developer has a plea deal with the prosecution that calls for a prison sentence of 20 to 27 years, but that could be shortened based on his cooperation with prosecutors.
Defense attorneys told the judge Wednesday that Gilley's attorney, David Harrison, has told people that Gilley expects a sentence of five years or less based on his cooperation.
Gilley testified Wednesday that he expects his sentencing, now scheduled for November, to be postponed because he won't be finished cooperating with the federal government. He said he has been vague when people ask what sentence he expects.
Gilley will return to the witness stand Thursday for a sixth day of testimony.
Gilley's two lobbyists, Jarrod Massey and Jennifer Pouncy, have also pleaded guilty to offering bribes and are cooperating with the prosecution. Prosecutor Justin Shur said they will testify after Gilley.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Iowa: Not even 'honor among thieves' !
Not even 'honor among thieves' !
Iowa court reinstates $10M award in casino lawsuit
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court has reinstated a $10 million award to a businessman who claimed a casino and its owner backed out of an agreement to let him manage the facility.
The Clinton Herald reports that Friday's opinion overturns a 2009 appeals court ruling that threw out the award for Signature Management Group president John Pavone.
In 2006, Pavone sued Wild Rose Entertainment, which owns casinos in Emmetsburg and Clinton. He claimed Wild Rose violated a contract for him to manage its soon-to-be built casino in Emmetsburg.
Wild Rose owner Gerald "Gary" Kirke argued he never entered into a contract to hire Pavone. His lawyers said the contract was merely an "agreement to agree" on a future management contract.
Polk County jurors ruled in Pavone's favor in September 2007.
Iowa court reinstates $10M award in casino lawsuit
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court has reinstated a $10 million award to a businessman who claimed a casino and its owner backed out of an agreement to let him manage the facility.
The Clinton Herald reports that Friday's opinion overturns a 2009 appeals court ruling that threw out the award for Signature Management Group president John Pavone.
In 2006, Pavone sued Wild Rose Entertainment, which owns casinos in Emmetsburg and Clinton. He claimed Wild Rose violated a contract for him to manage its soon-to-be built casino in Emmetsburg.
Wild Rose owner Gerald "Gary" Kirke argued he never entered into a contract to hire Pavone. His lawyers said the contract was merely an "agreement to agree" on a future management contract.
Polk County jurors ruled in Pavone's favor in September 2007.
EU fighting corruption in sports
EU parliament calls for fight against corruption [additional information and links available in original article]
A written declaration signed by 400 members of the European Parliament urges the European Commission to take the lead in the fight against corruption in sport.
By Ditte Toft, Stine Alvad
A written declaration signed by 400 members of the European Parliament urges the European Commission to take the lead in the fight against corruption in sport.
The European Commission must, together with EU member states, co-ordinate a comprehensive study of corruption cases in European sport and clarify the relationship between organized crime, gambling and match-fixing.
This is a few of the requirements coming from 400 members of Parliament who have all signed a Declaration on combating corruption in European sport.
At the same time the MPs urge the Commission to regulate internet gaming through rules for approved operators and measures to combat collusion, in order to continue to provide income for grassroots sport in the EU countries.
With the declaration the MPs voice their opinion in relation to the discussion raised by the Commission itself with the so-called 'Green Paper' on online gaming launched in March this year.
The Commission’s 'Green Paper' calls for a detailed discussion on how to balance a liberalized gaming market with necessary precautions in the shape of consumer protection, the fight against crime and illegal betting and channelling money from gaming to charitable purposes such as grassroots sport.
The declaration from the MPs points out that the European White Paper on Sport states that corruption at European level should also be tackled at European level. The Lisbon Treaty makes it possible to do so.
”This issue has to be tackled in the European level because the problem exists not only in one or two member states, but in many European countries. In my own country we had big problems with corruption in football. Now with the Lisbon Treaty we can do something more about it,” says Polish Tadeusz Zwiefka, one of the four MPs behind the declaration.
A written declaration signed by 400 members of the European Parliament urges the European Commission to take the lead in the fight against corruption in sport.
By Ditte Toft, Stine Alvad
A written declaration signed by 400 members of the European Parliament urges the European Commission to take the lead in the fight against corruption in sport.
The European Commission must, together with EU member states, co-ordinate a comprehensive study of corruption cases in European sport and clarify the relationship between organized crime, gambling and match-fixing.
This is a few of the requirements coming from 400 members of Parliament who have all signed a Declaration on combating corruption in European sport.
At the same time the MPs urge the Commission to regulate internet gaming through rules for approved operators and measures to combat collusion, in order to continue to provide income for grassroots sport in the EU countries.
With the declaration the MPs voice their opinion in relation to the discussion raised by the Commission itself with the so-called 'Green Paper' on online gaming launched in March this year.
The Commission’s 'Green Paper' calls for a detailed discussion on how to balance a liberalized gaming market with necessary precautions in the shape of consumer protection, the fight against crime and illegal betting and channelling money from gaming to charitable purposes such as grassroots sport.
The declaration from the MPs points out that the European White Paper on Sport states that corruption at European level should also be tackled at European level. The Lisbon Treaty makes it possible to do so.
”This issue has to be tackled in the European level because the problem exists not only in one or two member states, but in many European countries. In my own country we had big problems with corruption in football. Now with the Lisbon Treaty we can do something more about it,” says Polish Tadeusz Zwiefka, one of the four MPs behind the declaration.
Alabama: Casino lobbyist: Trouble ahead if phone tapped
Casino lobbyist: Trouble ahead if phone tapped
By PHILLIP RAWLS
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The FBI tape recorded VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor asking his lobbyist if he was calling on a safe phone.
Lobbyist Bob Geddie answered that he hoped so, because he was in trouble if he wasn't on a safe phone.
Prosecutors played the tape Tuesday as Alabama's gambling corruption trial began its fifth week.
McGregor and Geddie are among the nine defendants on trial on charges accusing them of buying and selling votes for pro-gambling legislation. The case is built largely on FBI wiretaps, including the taped call between McGregor and Geddie from March 23.
During that call, the two talked about rounding up votes for the gambling legislation and making campaign contributions to their political allies.
By PHILLIP RAWLS
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The FBI tape recorded VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor asking his lobbyist if he was calling on a safe phone.
Lobbyist Bob Geddie answered that he hoped so, because he was in trouble if he wasn't on a safe phone.
Prosecutors played the tape Tuesday as Alabama's gambling corruption trial began its fifth week.
McGregor and Geddie are among the nine defendants on trial on charges accusing them of buying and selling votes for pro-gambling legislation. The case is built largely on FBI wiretaps, including the taped call between McGregor and Geddie from March 23.
During that call, the two talked about rounding up votes for the gambling legislation and making campaign contributions to their political allies.
Alabama: Gambling corruption trial starts 5th wk
Gambling corruption trial starts 5th wk
By PHILLIP RAWLS Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama's gambling corruption trial has started its fifth week with an FBI agent testifying about his role in helping lead the investigation.
Agent John McEachern returned to the witness stand Tuesday morning in federal court in Montgomery. He is being questioned by a defense lawyer for state Sen. Quinton Ross about wiretap recordings where Ross asked VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor for campaign contributions. Defense attorney Lewis Gillis says the calls were routine fundraising requests in preparation for Ross' re-election campaign.
Attorneys say Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley will be back on the witness stand when the FBI agent finishes.
Gilley's testimony was interrupted last week when he became sick with a virus. Gilley has pleaded guilty in the case and is helping the prosecution.
By PHILLIP RAWLS Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama's gambling corruption trial has started its fifth week with an FBI agent testifying about his role in helping lead the investigation.
Agent John McEachern returned to the witness stand Tuesday morning in federal court in Montgomery. He is being questioned by a defense lawyer for state Sen. Quinton Ross about wiretap recordings where Ross asked VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor for campaign contributions. Defense attorney Lewis Gillis says the calls were routine fundraising requests in preparation for Ross' re-election campaign.
Attorneys say Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley will be back on the witness stand when the FBI agent finishes.
Gilley's testimony was interrupted last week when he became sick with a virus. Gilley has pleaded guilty in the case and is helping the prosecution.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
8 more people held in Turkish fixing probe
8 more people held in Turkish fixing probe
By Suzan Fraser, Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish police reportedly detained eight people on Monday in a match-fixing probe, raising the number of suspects to more than 50 in a scandal that has implicated league champion Fenerbahce.
The state-run Anatolia news agency says the eight are linked to topflight club Giresunspor. The club confirmed that its president and some other officials were being questioned but gave no further details. Police has declined to comment on the detentions.
Police launched simultaneous raids in homes and club offices in more than 12 Turkish cities on Sunday, detaining Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim and board member Sekip Mosturoglu among other officials and players for questioning about alleged fixing in the topflight league last season.
Aksam newspaper reported Monday that police searched the premises of Fenerbahce, Trabzonspor, Besiktas and Sivasspor, and that 19 league games are being investigated.
Dogan news agency reported Sunday that police are looking at Fenerbahce's 4-3 win over Sivasspor in the last round that helped the Istanbul club clinch the title. Fenerbahce's match against Eskisehirspor is also being probed.
Fenerbahce said in a statement on its website Monday that it is confident the club will "pull through" from the investigation.
Turkey's Star newspaper said the allegations include claims that Karabukspor's Nigerian forward, Emmanuel Emenike, and Eskisehirspor midfielder Sezer Ozturk were promised transfers in return for not playing, or playing badly, against Fenerbahce.
Karabukspor denies the allegations, saying Emenike was injured a week before the Fenerbahce game and has a doctor's certificate to prove it. Emenike has since transferred to Fenerbahce from Karabukspor in a deal worth about $9 million.
The Nigerian soccer federation issued a statement Monday saying it has written to its Turkish counterpart asking for details about Emenike's arrest.
Fenerbahce risks having its name tarnished like Italian club Juventus, which was stripped of its 2005 and '06 Serie A titles in the "Calciopoli" scandal, which revealed how favorable referees were appointed to key matches.
Turkey is the latest country affected by a slew of match-fixing and betting scandals in world soccer, involving international and club teams.
The current global wave of fixing scandals has been linked to organized criminal gangs exploiting the increased opportunities offered by online gambling to cash in on corruption.
Criminal trials in Germany and Finland this year have revealed bribes paid to players and referees to fix matches in about a dozen European leagues — mostly in lower divisions — for betting coups, as organized criminal gangs exploit the increased opportunities offered by online gambling to cash in on corruption.
South Korea and Italy have also launched criminal investigations in recent weeks to examine fixed domestic league matches.
FIFA is investigating a global network of fixers with links to Malaysia and Singapore, which is suspected of manipulating national teams' exhibition matches in Asia, Africa, Europe and South and Central America.
Most international matches under suspicion involve fixers bribing referees to influence the number of goals scored, often by awarding multiple penalty kicks.
Turkey has vowed to be tough on match-fixing, introducing legislation three months ago to battle hooliganism and cheating in soccer that included a maximum 12-year prison sentence for fixing games.
___
AP Sports Writer Graham Dunbar in Geneva contributed to this report.
By Suzan Fraser, Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish police reportedly detained eight people on Monday in a match-fixing probe, raising the number of suspects to more than 50 in a scandal that has implicated league champion Fenerbahce.
The state-run Anatolia news agency says the eight are linked to topflight club Giresunspor. The club confirmed that its president and some other officials were being questioned but gave no further details. Police has declined to comment on the detentions.
Police launched simultaneous raids in homes and club offices in more than 12 Turkish cities on Sunday, detaining Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim and board member Sekip Mosturoglu among other officials and players for questioning about alleged fixing in the topflight league last season.
Aksam newspaper reported Monday that police searched the premises of Fenerbahce, Trabzonspor, Besiktas and Sivasspor, and that 19 league games are being investigated.
Dogan news agency reported Sunday that police are looking at Fenerbahce's 4-3 win over Sivasspor in the last round that helped the Istanbul club clinch the title. Fenerbahce's match against Eskisehirspor is also being probed.
Fenerbahce said in a statement on its website Monday that it is confident the club will "pull through" from the investigation.
Turkey's Star newspaper said the allegations include claims that Karabukspor's Nigerian forward, Emmanuel Emenike, and Eskisehirspor midfielder Sezer Ozturk were promised transfers in return for not playing, or playing badly, against Fenerbahce.
Karabukspor denies the allegations, saying Emenike was injured a week before the Fenerbahce game and has a doctor's certificate to prove it. Emenike has since transferred to Fenerbahce from Karabukspor in a deal worth about $9 million.
The Nigerian soccer federation issued a statement Monday saying it has written to its Turkish counterpart asking for details about Emenike's arrest.
Fenerbahce risks having its name tarnished like Italian club Juventus, which was stripped of its 2005 and '06 Serie A titles in the "Calciopoli" scandal, which revealed how favorable referees were appointed to key matches.
Turkey is the latest country affected by a slew of match-fixing and betting scandals in world soccer, involving international and club teams.
The current global wave of fixing scandals has been linked to organized criminal gangs exploiting the increased opportunities offered by online gambling to cash in on corruption.
Criminal trials in Germany and Finland this year have revealed bribes paid to players and referees to fix matches in about a dozen European leagues — mostly in lower divisions — for betting coups, as organized criminal gangs exploit the increased opportunities offered by online gambling to cash in on corruption.
South Korea and Italy have also launched criminal investigations in recent weeks to examine fixed domestic league matches.
FIFA is investigating a global network of fixers with links to Malaysia and Singapore, which is suspected of manipulating national teams' exhibition matches in Asia, Africa, Europe and South and Central America.
Most international matches under suspicion involve fixers bribing referees to influence the number of goals scored, often by awarding multiple penalty kicks.
Turkey has vowed to be tough on match-fixing, introducing legislation three months ago to battle hooliganism and cheating in soccer that included a maximum 12-year prison sentence for fixing games.
___
AP Sports Writer Graham Dunbar in Geneva contributed to this report.
Alabama: Ronnie Gilley expected to resume testimony
Ronnie Gilley expected to resume testimony
By Lance Griffin
Credit: Associated Press
Ronnie Gilley, owner of Alabama's largest casino, when he arrived at the federal courthouse in Montgomery Monday, Feb. 7, for his bond revocation hearing.
The defense in the gambling corruption trial is expected to resume cross examination of Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley Tuesday.
Attorneys for VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor and lobbyist Tom Coker questioned Gilley last week before Gilley’s lawyer said he was too sick to take the stand Wednesday morning. Court resumed with other witnesses, including FBI Special Agent John McEachern, who was facing cross examination when court ended Friday. Gilley is expected to resume testimony when attorneys conclude questioning McEachern.
Gilley’s lawyer, David Harrison of Geneva, declined to reveal specifics about Gilley’s illness, but said Gilley had been sick for some time before his testimony.
During direct examination by the government, Gilley said his Country Crossing development received more than $13 million from McGregor, but that $5 million had been set aside from McGregor to Gilley to use to help sway legislators to support electronic bingo legislation in the Alabama Legislature in the spring of 2010.
Gilley said he used the money in different ways with different legislators, including the promise of a “Democracy tour”, in which legislators who agreed to vote for the legislation would receive campaign appearances from country music stars.
During a series of questions from Coker attorney Bill Baxley, Gilley indicated that McGregor had backed out on a promise to pay for some of the Country Crossing construction costs, forcing Gilley to scramble for money. Gilley said on one occasion that the $5 million that was to be used for influence in Montgomery had been used for construction costs.
Jim Parkman, attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith., said he plans to question Gilley further about the $5 million from McGregor.
By Lance Griffin
Credit: Associated Press
Ronnie Gilley, owner of Alabama's largest casino, when he arrived at the federal courthouse in Montgomery Monday, Feb. 7, for his bond revocation hearing.
The defense in the gambling corruption trial is expected to resume cross examination of Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley Tuesday.
Attorneys for VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor and lobbyist Tom Coker questioned Gilley last week before Gilley’s lawyer said he was too sick to take the stand Wednesday morning. Court resumed with other witnesses, including FBI Special Agent John McEachern, who was facing cross examination when court ended Friday. Gilley is expected to resume testimony when attorneys conclude questioning McEachern.
Gilley’s lawyer, David Harrison of Geneva, declined to reveal specifics about Gilley’s illness, but said Gilley had been sick for some time before his testimony.
During direct examination by the government, Gilley said his Country Crossing development received more than $13 million from McGregor, but that $5 million had been set aside from McGregor to Gilley to use to help sway legislators to support electronic bingo legislation in the Alabama Legislature in the spring of 2010.
Gilley said he used the money in different ways with different legislators, including the promise of a “Democracy tour”, in which legislators who agreed to vote for the legislation would receive campaign appearances from country music stars.
During a series of questions from Coker attorney Bill Baxley, Gilley indicated that McGregor had backed out on a promise to pay for some of the Country Crossing construction costs, forcing Gilley to scramble for money. Gilley said on one occasion that the $5 million that was to be used for influence in Montgomery had been used for construction costs.
Jim Parkman, attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith., said he plans to question Gilley further about the $5 million from McGregor.
Monday, July 4, 2011
9% 'At Risk" of Gambling Addiction
6-28-11: Gambling Addiction
Approximately one in 30 Marylanders have problems with gambling, that’s according to a recent study by the Maryland department of health and mental hygiene. With the influx of more and more outlets for gambling in the state what’s being done to help those for whom gambling is an issue?
We talk with Dr. Joanna Franklin, she’s One of Maryland’s two certified gambling addiction counselors and she the President of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling, and Stephen Martino the Chair of the Maryland State Lottery Director and Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling.
Approximately one in 30 Marylanders have problems with gambling, that’s according to a recent study by the Maryland department of health and mental hygiene. With the influx of more and more outlets for gambling in the state what’s being done to help those for whom gambling is an issue?
We talk with Dr. Joanna Franklin, she’s One of Maryland’s two certified gambling addiction counselors and she the President of the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling, and Stephen Martino the Chair of the Maryland State Lottery Director and Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling.
The Las Vegas Salvation Army Seeks More Donations
The Salvation Army Seeks More Donations
Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor
The Salvation Army is pleading with the community to donate to its thrift stores to help keep its programs afloat.
The non-profit makes most of its money from its thrift stores but the economy has taken a toll. With fewer people buying new furniture or items for their homes they're not donating as much to the charity. Receipts from the thrift stores are down 50 percent from last year. Much of the money raised goes to The Salvation Army's addiction services for recovering alcohol, drug and gambling addicts. It takes a staggering $4 million a year to keep that program running but with some thrift stores down to almost bare walls all donations are needed.
The charity is asking that everyone around the valley to search through their homes for gently used items everything from furniture to clothing. They also have a big market for office supplies and furniture. If you have a donation big enough they'll come to your home to pick it up. If you've got a smaller donation you can drop it off at anyone of the seven thrift stores around the Las Vegas Valley. Call 649-2374 to arrange a pick up.
Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor
The Salvation Army is pleading with the community to donate to its thrift stores to help keep its programs afloat.
The non-profit makes most of its money from its thrift stores but the economy has taken a toll. With fewer people buying new furniture or items for their homes they're not donating as much to the charity. Receipts from the thrift stores are down 50 percent from last year. Much of the money raised goes to The Salvation Army's addiction services for recovering alcohol, drug and gambling addicts. It takes a staggering $4 million a year to keep that program running but with some thrift stores down to almost bare walls all donations are needed.
The charity is asking that everyone around the valley to search through their homes for gently used items everything from furniture to clothing. They also have a big market for office supplies and furniture. If you have a donation big enough they'll come to your home to pick it up. If you've got a smaller donation you can drop it off at anyone of the seven thrift stores around the Las Vegas Valley. Call 649-2374 to arrange a pick up.
Former football coach jailed for stealing club cash
Former football coach jailed for stealing club cash
By Conor Gallagher and Allison Bray
A FORMER football team youth manager was jailed for six years yesterday after pleading guilty to stealing close to €10,000 raised by the team and possessing almost €1m worth of cocaine to fuel his gambling addiction.
Mark Touhey (28), of Cedar Grove, Clonsilla, Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday to five counts of theft totalling €9,750 from Bohemians Football Club between August 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008.
Officials from the club declined to comment last night.
The court heard that the club's former youth team manager -- described as "a borderline pathological gambler"-- stole deposits paid by the youth team for a trip to Marbella, Spain, which they had raised by packing grocery bags and holding a race night which he organised.
The trip, which he also helped organise, was later cancelled. But instead of returning the €2,550 they raised, he used the money to gamble, the court heard.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing €949,550 worth of cocaine for sale or supply at Woodvale Drive, Clonsilla, on November 5, 2009.
Garda Andy Reynolds testified that he searched a room Mr Touhey was renting in November, 2009, after receiving a tip-off.
Noting that it was his gambling addiction that fuelled "the thirst for money", Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to six years in prison.
- Conor Gallagher and Allison Bray
Irish Independent
By Conor Gallagher and Allison Bray
A FORMER football team youth manager was jailed for six years yesterday after pleading guilty to stealing close to €10,000 raised by the team and possessing almost €1m worth of cocaine to fuel his gambling addiction.
Mark Touhey (28), of Cedar Grove, Clonsilla, Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday to five counts of theft totalling €9,750 from Bohemians Football Club between August 1, 2008, and December 31, 2008.
Officials from the club declined to comment last night.
The court heard that the club's former youth team manager -- described as "a borderline pathological gambler"-- stole deposits paid by the youth team for a trip to Marbella, Spain, which they had raised by packing grocery bags and holding a race night which he organised.
The trip, which he also helped organise, was later cancelled. But instead of returning the €2,550 they raised, he used the money to gamble, the court heard.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing €949,550 worth of cocaine for sale or supply at Woodvale Drive, Clonsilla, on November 5, 2009.
Garda Andy Reynolds testified that he searched a room Mr Touhey was renting in November, 2009, after receiving a tip-off.
Noting that it was his gambling addiction that fuelled "the thirst for money", Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to six years in prison.
- Conor Gallagher and Allison Bray
Irish Independent
Gambling Addict gets 3 years probation
Fridolfson gets 3 years probation
Avoids jail time for theft
By PETER KASPARI - Messenger staff writer , Messenger News
DAKOTA CITY - A Fort Dodge woman who pleaded guilty to first-degree theft has received three years probation and a 10-year suspended jail sentence for her crime.
Julie Fridolfson, 49, admitted that while working as a drainage clerk for Humboldt County, she stole approximately $55,000 from the Iowa Drainage Ditch Association. Fridolfson said Tuesday during the sentencing the money was meant to feed a gambling addiction.
"I want everybody to know how sincerely sorry I am," Fridolfson said. "I was under a lot of stress and gambling was how I dealt with it ... but I put myself into treatment."
She added that she attends six to eight 12-step meetings every week, and has been accepted to Buena Vista University, where she will be attending in the fall and studying human services. Fridolfson said this is because she wants to help others in her situation.
In addition, Fridolfson has already paid back all the money she stole from the county.
Her lawyer, Dani Eisentrager, Eagle Grove, had tried to get District Court Judge Thomas Bice to defer judgment.
"Julie should not be a burden on the already crowded prison system when she can continue to help others with their treatment," Eisentrager said. "Julie has done everything she can do to make a bad situation better."
Bice denied the motion, instead following the recommendation of Humboldt County Attorney Jennifer Benson and giving Fridolfson a suspended jail sentence of 10 years, as well as three years of probation.
"This type of theft will not be tolerated," Bice said. "People in a position of trust must be held in high conduct."
Bice said there were three factors that made him decide to suspend Fridolfson's jail sentence.
"You are a veteran," he said. "You served your country for 10 years honorably, and you were discharged honorably."
He added that the fact she voluntarily sought treatment for her gambling addiction and has become a peer leader, as well as the fact she doesn't owe any more money factored into him deciding Fridolfson should not serve any time in jail.
Bice also suspended one term of Fridolfson's probation, which said she needed to pay all fines and court surcharges. The only money she owes is $125 for the law enforcement initiative.
Fridolfson has 30 days to appeal her sentence.
Avoids jail time for theft
By PETER KASPARI - Messenger staff writer , Messenger News
DAKOTA CITY - A Fort Dodge woman who pleaded guilty to first-degree theft has received three years probation and a 10-year suspended jail sentence for her crime.
Julie Fridolfson, 49, admitted that while working as a drainage clerk for Humboldt County, she stole approximately $55,000 from the Iowa Drainage Ditch Association. Fridolfson said Tuesday during the sentencing the money was meant to feed a gambling addiction.
"I want everybody to know how sincerely sorry I am," Fridolfson said. "I was under a lot of stress and gambling was how I dealt with it ... but I put myself into treatment."
She added that she attends six to eight 12-step meetings every week, and has been accepted to Buena Vista University, where she will be attending in the fall and studying human services. Fridolfson said this is because she wants to help others in her situation.
In addition, Fridolfson has already paid back all the money she stole from the county.
Her lawyer, Dani Eisentrager, Eagle Grove, had tried to get District Court Judge Thomas Bice to defer judgment.
"Julie should not be a burden on the already crowded prison system when she can continue to help others with their treatment," Eisentrager said. "Julie has done everything she can do to make a bad situation better."
Bice denied the motion, instead following the recommendation of Humboldt County Attorney Jennifer Benson and giving Fridolfson a suspended jail sentence of 10 years, as well as three years of probation.
"This type of theft will not be tolerated," Bice said. "People in a position of trust must be held in high conduct."
Bice said there were three factors that made him decide to suspend Fridolfson's jail sentence.
"You are a veteran," he said. "You served your country for 10 years honorably, and you were discharged honorably."
He added that the fact she voluntarily sought treatment for her gambling addiction and has become a peer leader, as well as the fact she doesn't owe any more money factored into him deciding Fridolfson should not serve any time in jail.
Bice also suspended one term of Fridolfson's probation, which said she needed to pay all fines and court surcharges. The only money she owes is $125 for the law enforcement initiative.
Fridolfson has 30 days to appeal her sentence.
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