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Police are conducting an investigation into the mysterious death of Joseph “Ray” Cosby over the weekend. Cosby is one of seven remaining defendants in a federal corruption case tied to gambling in Alabama and was found dead on Sunday, just one day before the start of a second trial in the case.
Jurors acquitted or failed to reach a verdict on all charges involving a much publicized Alabama gambling political corruption case this past August. The defendants included Victoryland Casino owner Milton McGregor and two sitting senators along with lobbyists.
The federal investigation grew out of three Republican legislators telling the FBI that they were offered campaign contributions if they would support legislation designed to keep electronic bingo games operating in Alabama. The three used recording devices to tape phone calls and meetings, and the FBI wiretapped phones in a yearlong probe that coincided with former Gov. Bob Riley creating a gambling task force to shut down privately operated casinos.
The Montgomery Police Department confirmed the death of Cosby Sunday afternoon.
"The cause and manner of death are currently under investigation. No further details are available at this time."
Cosby was an attorney and analyst with the Legislative Reference Service that helps lawmakers research and draft proposed laws.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
