Judge to Determine if Wiretaps can be used in Alabama Political Gambling Probe

Written by :

Jagajeet Chiba

Published on :

2 March, 2011

U.S. Magistrate Judge Wallace Capel Jr. has concluded a three-day hearing into a political corruption case that has rocked the state of Alabama. He will determine Monday whether wiretaps can be used in the case against several politicians and lobbyists accused of trying to sell and buy votes favorable towards gambling initiatives.

The Associated Press reported that defense attorneys claim the FBI didn't follow its own rules when tapping the phones of indicted casino owners Milton McGregor and Ronnie Gilley and agents listened to calls protected by attorney-client privilege.

FBI agents testified during the hearing that they took extra precautions to avoid privileged calls.

The FBI claims it has intercepted some 12,000 calls during the investigation.

In addition to McGregor and Gilley, four current and former legislators, two casino lobbyists and two others are accused of buying and selling votes on legislation designed to reopen McGregor's VictoryLand casino.

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com

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