MONTGOMERY, Ala.
A federal judge refused Thursday to let Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley out of jail pending his trial on gambling corruption charges in June, but warned he could change his mind if prosecutors don't bring an obstruction of justice charge
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson sided with prosecutors in ruling that Massey had violated one of the conditions of his bond in Alabama's gambling corruption probe.
Thompson "found that the government has presented probable cause that Gilley committed the crime of obstruction of justice while on release." The probable cause ruling stemmed from former Country Crossing lobbyists Jarrod Massey testifying in a court hearing a month ago that on Dec. 14 while at the federal courthouse, Gilley offered him financial incentives worth $1 million a year not to plead guilty in the case.
Gilley's lawyers argued that Massey misinterpreted the conversation, and Gilley was only talking about paying past-due lobbying bills.
Gilley and nine others were arrested Oct. 4 on charges accusing them of buying and selling votes on legislation designed to reopen closed electronic bingo casinos, including Gilley's Country Crossing in Dothan. All were allowed to remain free on bond until a month ago when a federal magistrate judge ordered Gilley locked up pending his trial starting June 6.
Gilley is being held in the Montgomery City Jail, which his attorneys say makes it hard to prepare his defense.
The judge said Thursday he has "serious concerns" that prosecutors presented allegations of witness tampering against Gilley, but "there is no indication in the record that this additional charge against Gilley is moving toward resolution within a reasonable time" by presenting the case to a grand jury for indictment.
"Therefore, while the court is granting the government's motion for Gilley's detention pending trial, it is doing so with leave to Gilley to ask for reconsideration should it appear that the obstruction of justice charge against him is not moving toward resolution with reasonable speed," the judge wrote.
Prosecutor Brenda Morris told the judge in a court hearing Monday that prosecutors can't comment about what a grand jury might be considering.
Gilley's attorney, Doug Jones, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
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