MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An ex-governor, top legislators and country entertainer Lorrie Morgan are among more than 100 people who might testify in a corruption trial in which present and former lawmakers are accused of taking millions in bribes in exchange for votes on pro-gambling legislation.
Jury selection for the lengthy trial began Monday at the federal courthouse, with prosecution and defense lawyer asking potential jurors if they knew a long list of witnesses that they may call to testify. Lawyers hope to select a panel this afternoon or Wednesday.
The nine defendants mostly appeared optimistic as they entered court for the first day. Independent state Sen. Harri Anne Smith, of Slocomb, told reporters: “I’m excited to get this going.”
VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor flashed a thumbs-up sign for photographers.
One of McGregor’s lawyers said his witnesses could include former Gov. Bob Riley, whose gambling task force targeted McGregor’s electronic bingo casino at Shorter and shuttered it last year. Riley is fighting a subpoena from McGregor.