JOE ESPY, ATTORNEY FOR MILTON MCGREGOR
The indictment has just been handed to us, so we have not had an opportunity to review it in detail. From what we have seen, I can say this:
The government basically alleges that a 71-year-old grandfather who has never been arrested for so much as jaywalking chose this point in his life to engage in a criminal enterprise. The facts do not support this view, and we are confident we will prove that Mr. McGregor is innocent.
Milton McGregor has followed the law every step of the way. Even his competitors say Milton goes "by the book." In business, in politics, and in his private life, he follows the rules. He served two tours of duty in the armed services. He is more devoted to his family and to those who work with him than anyone I've known. He is a man of deep faith who "walks the walk" of Christian charity. He came up the hard way and treats people with courtesy and respect.
This may be why I am particularly disappointed the government did not let Mr. McGregor turn himself in. Not allowing this courtesy suggests they might be more interested in media grandstanding than finding out the truth.
Most people in Alabama know that this is mainly a political dispute over whether or not the people will have the right to vote on electronic bingo. It is surprising to me that the government apparently only examined one side, the side that lost in the legislature. I'm surprised since the folks on the side that won have shown they will do anything and everything to shut down all competition to the Indians' casinos.
I conclude with this: Mr. McGregor's legal team is committed to making sure his side is heard and proving the truth about him. I hope the media will make sure the citizens of this state hear both sides, not just the government's one-sided and mistaken view. We are supremely confident that a trial based on the truth will show that the government's allegations are wrong and that Mr. McGregor is innocent.