Defense attorneys are wrapping up their closing argument in the gambling corruption in Alabama involving lawmakers, lobbyists and casino owners.
Six defendants are on trial for the alleged scheme that involved bribing state lawmakers in return for pro-gambling votes. The first trial ended in a hung jury last summer and two defendants were acquitted.
In his closing argument, a federal prosecutor told jurors that casino owner Milton McGregor bribed lawmakers to protect his millions in gambling profits, while a trio of state senators were willing to put their votes on the auction block for campaign contributions, according to the Birmingham News.
“These defendants are guilty. They corrupted the Alabama Legislature. They robbed each and every Alabama citizen of the right to honest government,” prosecutor Edward T. Kang said as he concluded his closing argument.
Meanwhile, a defense attorney for McGregor told jurors that the case “reeks of political motivation.”