Sentencing looms: Gilley seeks no prison time, feds recommend 11 years

Court papers were filed on behalf of former Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley last week requesting a sentence without prison time.

Gilley is expected to be sentenced July 16 in Montgomery by U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson.

Gilley’s sentencing comes on the heels of his April 22, 2011, guilty plea and two federal trials that acquitted several other defendants and state legislators in a vote buying scheme to pass pro-gambling legislation.

He was charged with six counts of bribery, four counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy. Gilley admitted to offering millions of dollars in return for favorable votes.

David Harrison, Gilley’s attorney, filed the papers requesting Thompson hand down a more lenient sentence than the federal guideline of 21 to 27 years.

The request seeks credit for time served, six months of home confinement, three years supervised release and extensive community service.

Federal prosecutors Monday filed a recommendation of nearly 11 years in exchange for Gilley’s plea and testimony during the trials, even though the two trials ended with aquittals for all defendants.

Gilley’s Enterprise development BamaJam Farms plays a big role in the leniency request. Harrison says the development could turn into a huge job creator for the Wiregrass with hotels, a water park, golf course and residential development known as Keystone.

Harrison also says Gilley was naive to the ways of lobbying the Legislature, claiming Gilley became a “fall guy” for Victoryland casino owner Milton McGregor and lobbyist Jarrod Massey.

The papers also indicate Gilley has lost his home and is planning to file bankruptcy.

Lobbyists Jarrod Massey, Jennifer Pouncy and former state representative for Coffee County Terry Spicer pleaded guilty as well and testified in the trial.

Massey and Spicer are also to be sentenced July 16.

Spicer also filed court papers requesting a sentence of about two years, though, prosecutors are requesting five years.

Prosecutors filed for a sentence of slightly more than 11 years for Massey.

Massey’s request for sentencing was sealed from public view by the judge at the request of Massey.