FBI agent explains taped calls in gambling trial

Attorney Joe Espy and VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor talk to the media before entering the Federal Courthouse on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, as week four of the gambling trial continues. / (Montgomery Advertiser, Amanda Sowar

An FBI agent who helped lead the investigation of gambling corruption in Alabama is scheduled to return to the witness stand to testify about wire taps.
Agent John McEachern began testifying Wednesday afternoon about phone calls intercepted by the FBI. He will continue his testimony Thursday. The calls involve indicted casino VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor, who's accused of buying and selling votes on pro-gambling legislation.
One call played in court Wednesday was between McGregor and Monica Cooper, who until recently was the top assistant to the Senate Republican Caucus. In the call on March 2, 2010, they discussed how some Republican senators would vote on bringing up McGregor's gambling legislation for consideration. McEachern said Cooper was being paid $2,000 a month by McGregor in addition to her legislative job.