Former Jefferson County District Attorney David Barber recently resigned as commander of the Governor’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling.
His resignation becomes effective with the naming of a new commander. No information on when this would happen was available at press time.
Citing a “recent visit” to a “legal casino” in Mississippi, Barber said he does not want to become a “political distraction from the task force’s important work.”
Barber and his wife were reportedly spotted at a casino in Mississippi on New Year’s Eve.
While The Alabama Baptist has heard more than one report of eye witnesses, it is VictoryLand Owner Milton McGregor that is taking credit for the discovery. He reportedly told Mobile Press-Register his private detective discovered Barber at the Mississippi slot machine, and McGregor gave Gov. Bob Riley until Jan. 15 to announce Barber’s resignation.
Riley’s office called McGregor a “liar” and said it was Barber who told a member of Riley’s legal staff about his trip. That staff member immediately told the governor.
Barber said in his resignation letter to Riley Jan. 13: “While my actions were in full compliance with the law, I am convinced that the forces that operate illegal casinos in Alabama will focus on my actions as part of their continuing effort to smear you and your task force.
“The work of the task force is too important to allow it to be impeded by such distractions. … Like you, I believe that the law should be applied as written, no matter how much money or power is brought to bear in furtherance of illegal conduct.”
Riley accepted Barber’s resignation and commended him for serving the state.
“Despite a steady stream of personal attacks from the forces that want to perpetuate and expand illegal gambling in Alabama, you have never wavered from your determination to see that the laws of Alabama are enforced uniformly across the state of Alabama,” Riley wrote in a letter accepting Barber’s resignation. “As a result of your leadership, the task force has succeeded in stopping illegal activity in numerous counties in Alabama.” (TAB)
Share with others: