Montgomery, AL – A casino owner who pleaded guilty in Alabama's gambling corruption investigation says he paid country singer George Jones to be the spokesman for the Country Crossing development in Dothan.
Ronnie Gilley testified Tuesday in federal court that Jones never was an investor in the project and said Jones has severed their relationship.
Jones' name was on an inn at Country Crossing. Gilley said he had hoped to develop other bed and breakfast properties bearing Jones' name, but Jones pulled out after Gilley encountered legal and financial problems.
Gilley testified his investors in Country Crossing did include Dale Morris, the Nashville music executive who managed Alabama's lead singer Randy Owen. Owen appeared in ads promoting pro-gambling legislation that Gilley was trying to pass.
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