1 pleads guilty to conspiracy in Alabama bingo probe; 11 others indicted

1 pleads guilty to conspiracy in Ala. bingo probe

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — One defendant has pleaded guilty in a scheme to buy and sell votes to get electronic bingo legalized in Alabama after authorities also indicted a casino owner, four state senators and several lobbyists.

The Justice Department said Monday that an employee of a Montgomery lobbying firm, Jennifer Pouncy, admitted she offered $2 million to a senator at the direction of her boss, casino lobbyist Jarrod Massey.

Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer says the federal investigation found criminal activity that was astonishing in scope. He calls it a full-scale campaign to bribe legislators and others.

The indictment, with 11 defendants, also alleges senators solicited money for their votes.

VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor is among those indicted. His attorney said he is innocent.

Associated Press Writers Pete Yost in Washington and Bob Johnson in Montgomery contributed to this report.