By Bob Howell – WSFA 12 News Anchor, Montgomery, AL

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Hold the phone!  There’s been yet ANOTHER development in the bingo battle in southeast Alabama.  Tonight, WSFA 12 News obtained a copy of a letter faxed to Governor Bob Riley from Houston County District Attorney Doug Valeska.  The DA had asked the governor for assistance in his investigation of the bingo operation at Country Crossing near Dothan.  In the letter, Valeska writes that he’s aware of the resignation of Task Force Commander David Barber after he won $2,300 gambling at a casino in Mississippi.  Valeska says Barber’s actions “cast a pall over our work here in Houston County.” 

The District Attorney writes, “You have stated numerous times that your Task Force’s involvement here was based on my invitation and request for assistance.  In light of these developments, I am asking that you deem my invitation suspended until such time as we can consider the impact of these admission on our work.”  Valeska concluded by writing, “In the meantime, I trust you will suspend any further involvement in Houston County.”

Earlier Friday (1/15), the Alabama Supreme Court threw out a restraining order that blocked the Task Force from raiding Country Crossing.  Late Friday afternoon a federal judge denied a request from Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver for another restraining order to keep the agents out of the newly opened facility.

WSFA 12 News is attempting to get reaction from the Governor’s office.  We’ll advise on any further developments.

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