Former Alabama State Legislator Pleads Guilty to Bribery

WASHINGTON—Terry Spicer, a former Alabama state legislator, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama to a one-count criminal information charging him with federal program bribery for accepting cash and other things of value from a businessman and his lobbyist in return for the use of his official position and influence, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Lewis M. Chapman of the FBI’s Mobile Field Office.

Spicer, 46, of Elba, Ala., served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives for the 91st District, Coffee County, from 1998 to 2010. According to court documents, from 2006 to 2010, Spicer accepted bribes from Jarrod Massey, a former lobbyist in Montgomery, Ala., and his client, Ronnie Gilley. In particular, Spicer admitted he received cash, campaign services and a ski vacation from Massey in exchange for Spicer using his official position to obtain lobbying business for Massey. Spicer also admitted he accepted campaign contributions and entertainment concert tickets from Alabama businessman Ronnie Gilley in return for Spicer’s official assistance in favor of Gilley’s business projects and interests. Both Massey and Gilley have pleaded guilty to paying and offering bribes to Spicer and other legislators.

Spicer faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release following his prison term. Spicer also has agreed to forfeit $40,000. A sentencing date has not been set.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chiefs Justin V. Shur and M. Kendall Day; Trial Attorneys Edward T. Kang, E. Rae Woods, Eric G. Olshan, and Barak Cohen of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section; and Senior Litigation Counsel Brenda K. Morris of the Criminal Division. The case is being investigated by the FBI.