The much-maligned Public Integrity section of the Justice Department received a major boost Friday, as an Alabama gambling hall owner pleaded guilty to attempting to bribe legislators in exchange for their votes to legalize electronic bingo in the state.
The guilty plea by Ronald E. Gilley represents a major victory for a DOJ section that has faced criticism as the prosecution of public officials in Alaska has fallen apart. And earlier this month, the judge in the Alabama case threatened to impose sanctions on prosecutors in the Alabama bingo case for delays in giving the defense materials it needed.
Gilley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, six counts of federal program bribery and four counts of money laundering.
“Ronald Gilley thought votes could be bought and sold in Alabama,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer. “He participated in an audacious scheme to bribe state legislators into supporting a law that would fatten his wallet. But he, like his co-conspirators, was stopped in his tracks. Now, Mr. Gilley must face the consequences of his corruption.”
Gilley, along with 10 co-defendants, were charged on 39 counts by a federal grand jury in October. Two current Alabama state legislators, two former Alabama state legislators, three lobbyists, one businessman, an employee of Gilley and an employee of the Alabama legislature are among the 10 defendants whose cases are pending in connection with the probe. Their trial is scheduled to begin June 6.
Court documents show Gilley owned a controlled-interest in a gambling development in Houston County, Ala., and wanted to offer electronic gambling. He admitted that he offered things worth millions of dollars to members of the Alabama legislature in exchange for their votes. He also pleaded guilty to encouraging lobbyists working for him to offer bribes.
Gilley faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge. Each count of federal program bribery carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. In connection with the money laundering charges, Gilley agreed to forfeit $200,000. A sentencing date has not been set.
The Public Integrity section has been criticized for an Alaska corruption case that saw several prosecutions fall apart amid charges that prosecutors withheld damaging information about a businessman who helped them. In the most celebrated case, the conviction of the late Republican Sen. Ted Stevens was overturned, but not before the senator lost a reelection bid that some say he would have won had it not been for the prosecution.
The Alabama case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Justin V. Shur, Trial Attorneys Edward T. Kang, Eric G. Olshan, Barak Cohen and E. Rae Woods of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section; Senior Litigation Counsel Brenda K. Morris of the Criminal Division; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis V. Franklin and Steve P. Feaga of the Middle District of Alabama.
