Riley Still At Center Of Alabama Gambling Scandal
Governor Robert Riley did more for gambling in the state of Alabama than any casino ever could. Riley’s insistence on going after gaming halls and their owners
has led many Alabama residents to start a push for regulating electronic bingo machines in the state.Riley left office this year
but he has remained at the center of the gambling issue. Last year
senators
lobbyists
and gaming establishment owners were indicted in a pay for votes bribery scheme. Attorneys in the case argued on Saturday whether or not Riley should be forced to testify.At first
it appeared that the plan to call Riley as a witness was viewed as an attempt by Milton McGregor and his attorneys to get under Riley’s skin. The former governor had planned a vacation at the same time the trial would be taking place
and conspiracy theorists believed McGregor just wanted to disrupt that vacation.The defense lawyers argued on Saturday that there was collaboration between Riley and and federal authorities. McGregor’s lawyers asserted that there could have been some foul play involved with the investigation
and that Riley should have to answer their questions regarding the investigation.State attorney’s are relying on executive privilege and law enforcement privilege to keep Riley off the stand. Riley’s attorney had asked the court to at least give the former governor a one week window to arrive in court
should he be called to testify.Riley’s approval rating in Alabama dropped way down after he created the Task Force on Illegal Gambling. Many Alabama residents
including former Attorney General Troy King
believed the Task Force was operating without following the correct procedure. The Task Force shut down several of the biggest gaming centers in Alabama
and it has cost thousands of Alabamians their jobs.New Governor Robert Bentley has steered clear of the gaming issue. Bentley turned over control of the Task Force to Attorney General Luther Strange
who has since disbanded the Task Force. The gaming establishments have remained closed
with Country Crossings developer Ronnie Gilley already pleading guilty in the bribery case.McGregor
the owner of VictoryLand
has continued to maintain his innocence. On Thursday
attorneys for McGregor and the state finished selecting jurors for the case
leading to the hearing on Saturday to debate whether or not Riley should have to testify. June 12
2011Posted By April GardnerStaff Editor
CasinoGamblingWeb.comSubmit News!