WASHINGTON – In a case that exposes the dark underbelly of Alabama politics, three individuals, including businessman Ronald Gilley, lobbyist Jarrod Massey, and former state representative Terry Spicer, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a wide-ranging conspiracy to bribe and corrupt lawmakers in the Alabama State Legislature.
U.S. District Judge Myron H. Thompson of the Middle District of Alabama handed down the sentences, with Gilley receiving 80 months in prison, Massey 65 months, and Spicer 57 months. Each defendant was also ordered to serve a term of supervised release following their prison terms.
Gilley, 47, of Dothan, Ala., and Massey, 41, of Troy, Ala., pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to bribe multiple members of the Alabama legislature, as well as individual instances of federal program bribery involving legislators. The pair promoted the passage of pro-gambling legislation during the 2009 and 2010 Alabama legislative session, which would have benefited Gilley’s Country Crossing real estate and entertainment development.
Gilley and Massey corruptly gave, offered, and agreed to give money and other things of value to Alabama state legislators in exchange for their influence and support. Gilley also pleaded guilty to money laundering for attempting to disguise the illicit purpose of a $200,000 bribe payment to a state senator.
Spicer, 46, of Elba, Ala., pleaded guilty to a single count of federal program bribery for soliciting and receiving over $40,000 in cash, gifts, and other favors from Gilley and Massey. In exchange, Spicer offered official assistance, including encouraging others to hire Massey as their lobbyist and aiding Gilley in specific opportunities.
The case is being prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, with the FBI’s Montgomery Field Office leading the investigation. The defendants’ cooperation with the government was taken into account during sentencing, with each receiving a reduced sentence as a result.
The convictions and sentences in this case serve as a warning to those who would seek to exploit their positions of power for personal gain. The people of Alabama deserve better from their elected officials, and it is the job of the Justice Department to hold them accountable.
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