DOJ: Probe not meant to alter vote (Alabama Legislature)

Source: AP

DOJ: Probe not meant to alter vote
By Bob Johnson The Associated Press Published: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.

MONTGOMERY | A top Justice Department official says the disclosure of a probe of possible corruption in the Alabama Legislature on a bill to regulate and legalize electronic bingo isn't meant to influence an upcoming vote in the Alabama House.


The acting chief of the Public Integrity Section, Raymond N. Hulser, made the statement in a letter to Birmingham attorney Doug Jones, who represents the Democratic caucuses in the House and Senate and who questioned the actions and timing of federal and state investigators.

Jones in his letter to Justice Department officials said one of the state investigators in the probe is a member of the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling, which was formed by Gov. Bob Riley to shut down bingo casinos in Alabama.

He said the disclosure of the probe in a meeting with top legislators by federal and state investigators had a 'chilling effect' on those preparing to vote on the measure.


Read more: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20100413/NEWS/100419846/1007