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Defense In Gambling Trial Says No Bribes Accepted

Montgomery, AL – Defense attorneys in Alabama's gambling corruption retrial say there couldn't have been a conspiracy between the six defendants because some of them didn't meet until they were arrested and taken to the FBI office in Montgomery.

Attorneys spent much of Thursday giving opening statements in federal court in Montgomery.

An attorney for indicted casino owner Milton McGregor, Joe Espy, said the only crooks are the three who have pleaded guilty and will testify for the prosecution - casino developer Ronnie Gilley and his lobbyists, Jarrod Massey and Jennifer Pouncy.

An attorney for former Sen. Larry Means, Bill Clark, told jurors the person offering bribes can be guilty and the other person not guilty.

An attorney for former Sen. Jim Preuitt, Ron Wise, said Preuitt never sought anything from gambling interests.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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