Casino owner wants district judge to OK jail release

Country Crossing casino developer Ronnie Gilley used to spend his days as a high-powered executive, building Gulf Coast condominiums, starting record companies and hobnobbing with country music stars.

Now he sits in a 6-by-8 foot cell with three inmates.

"He

can't sleep. He can't concentrate," his attorney, Doug Jones, said.Gilley, 45, from Enterprise, is one of two casino developers scheduled to go on trial June 6 with eight others on federal charges accusing them of buying and selling votes on pro-gambling legislation.He is the only one in jail.A federal magistrate ordered him held in the Montgomery City Jail on Feb. 7 after deciding that Gilley offered his former lobbyist a financial interest in Country Crossing and another proposed casino to try to keep him from pleading guilty in the case.Gilley maintains lobbyist Jarrod Massey misinterpreted his remarks. He said he was trying to explain to Massey how he was hoping to pay $90,000 in past-due lobbying bills after his company encountered financial problems.Gilley's attorney is trying to get a federal district judge to overturn the magistrate's order and let Gilley go home to Enterprise pending trial.Gilley first gained recognition for building coastal condominiums where he involved country music singers. That led to promoting country music festivals and starting record companies. His website touts a string of hits, including Blackberry Smoke's "Good One Coming On."In late 2009, he opened his biggest project: the $87 million Country Crossing tourist destination he developed in Dothan with several country music stars. Visitors could stay in George Jones' inn, eat at Lorrie Morgan's restaurant, or gamble on 1,700 electronic bingo machines.On trips to Montgomery to discuss his project with legislators, he often was accompanied by country music stars who were either involved with his real estate projects or record labels, including John Anderson, Darryl Worley and Alabama lead singer Randy Owen.That changed on Jan. 29, 2010, when more than 100 state troopers showed up for a raid, contending Gilley's games were illegal slot machines. Gilley closed the entire complex rather than let troopers enter.

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Casino owner wants district judge to OK jail release - Montgomery Advertiser