A second Alabama bingo trial — stemming from mistrials in the bingo corruption trial on charges where the jury could not reach a verdict — will be delayed by U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson until Jan. 9, according a report from The Birmingham News.
But Thompson has not ruled if three separate trials will be held for the seven remaining defendants in the case, The News reported.
Prosecutors argued that the defendants should be tried in three proceedings, with one prosecutor citing a more streamlined process, as well as prevention of jury confusion and redundant cross-examination.
Thompson was doubtful that separate trials would be quicker, all according to the The News.
Thompson had originally scheduled the retrial for Oct. 3, but defense and prosecuting attorneys said more preparation time was needed, according to The Associated Press (AP).
The initial trial began in June and ended Aug. 11, with 33 undecided charges made against seven of the nine defendants, according to the AP.
• VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor — Three charges, not guilty; 14 charges, mistrial
• Sen. Harri Anne Smith, I-Slocomb — 11 charges, not guilty; eight charges, mistrial
• Former Sen. Jim Preuitt, R-Talladega — 12 charges, not guilty; three charges, mistrial
• Former Sen. Larry Means, D-Attalla — 14 charges, not guilty; two charges, mistrial
• Former legislative analyst Ray Crosby — one charge, mistrial
• Lobbyist Tom Coker — 11 charges, not guilty; three charges, mistrial
• Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker — 11 charges, not guilty; two charges, mistrial
Two of the defendants, Sen. Quinton T. Ross Jr., D-Montgomery, and lobbyist Bob Geddie, were both acquitted.
The other three people indicted — Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley and lobbyists Jarrod Massey and Jennifer Pouncy — pleaded guilty prior to the trial. (TAB)
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