on April 22 2011 23:49:17

http://www.tothecenter.com/index.php?readmore=15871

A man pleaded guilty on Friday in an Alabama courthouse to bribing state legislators to vote for pro-gambling legislation.

According to Reuters, property developer Ronald Gilley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, six counts of federal program bribery, four counts of money laundering and one count of aiding and abetting.

“I am sorry. I am wrong and I plead guilty,” Gilley said in court.

Gilley was allegedly involved in a plot to buy votes for pro-gambling legislation, ultimately to benefit Country Crossing, an entertainment and gambling development the suspect owned in Houston County, reports Opelika Auburn News.

Campaign contributions, appearances by country musicians, fund-raising and various other gifts were all part of the bribes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Ten other people, including four state legislators and three lobbyists, have also been charged with buying votes illegally in the 2009 and 2011 legislative gatherings.

Sentencing for Gilley has yet to be determined.