Montgomery, AL – A federal judge says he will rule by Friday on whether to leave Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley in jail until his trial in June on gambling corruption charges.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson heard about two hours of arguments Monday on defense attorneys' appeal to have Gilley released. A federal magistrate judge ordered Gilley jailed a month ago after prosecutors said he offered financial incentives to a former lobbyist Jarrod Massey not to plead guilty.
Thompson told prosecutors their explanation of e-mails and phone calls between Massey and Gilley was confusing. And the judge says he won't let Gilley remain in jail indefinitely if prosecutors don't charge him for the alleged offer to Massey.
Gilley and nine others are accused of buying and selling votes on pro-gambling legislation.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)