(4 Oct 2010) HEADLINE: Ala. casino heads, senators, lobbyists indicted
CAPTION: The owner of Alabama's largest casino, four state senators and several top lobbyists have been indicted on federal charges accusing them of vote buying in an effort to get a bill passed that would have legalized electronic bingo in the state. (Oct. 4)
NB. THIS IS A VOICEOVER TRANSCRIPT, NOT A FULL SHOT LIST.
'this morning....federal agents began arresting 11 individuals.
Federal prosecutors say they have uncovered evidence of a widespread corruption scandal in Alabama.
It deals with vote buying and legislation that would have allowed electronic bingo casinos if it had passed.
But it went down to defeat earlier this year.
11 people are facing charges -- including four state senators -- several lobbyists -- and this man --- Milton McGregor -- the owner of VictoryLand Casino --the state's biggest casino.
"the 11 defendants named in the indictment are charged with forming a corrupt network of legislators -- businessmen and lobbyists...whose aim was to manipulate the democratic process for personal gain."
Electronic bingo casinos operated in Alabama for several years until the governor labeled the machines illegal slots and organized a task force to close them down.
In fact, McGregor closed down VictoryLand in August to prevent a raid by the governor's task force.
The crackdown on electronic bingo has been controversial, however.
A protester outside Montgomery's federal courthouse said the indictment is the result of politics -- not law breaking.
"I think every bit of it is politically motivated."
Among other things, the Justice Department is accusing State Senator Larry Means of soliciting bribes from McGregor and others -- and seeking 100 thousand dollars for voting in favor of the legislation.
In a statement, the Justice Department said the accused acted "in a conspiracy to offer and bribe legislators for their votes and influence on proposed legislation."
All 11 defendants had their first court appearance Monday afternoon, and all were released on bond.
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