It worked like a charm. Video-poker-machine owners slipped the gambling devices across the South Carolina state line and into the backrooms of small restaurants and country convenience stores across Western North Carolina. The money rolled in—as much as $30,000 per machine per year—and players were lured by the prospect of winning cash, rather than the […]
Tag: Guy Penland
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Former Medford deputies sentenced: Penland to five years, Davis to 40 months
The sentencing of ex-Sheriff Bobby Medford‘s deputies finished this morning, as a federal judge sentenced former reserve Capt. Guy Penland to five years in prison and former Lt. Ronnie “Butch” Davis to 40 months on corruption charges.
Medford, deputies may be sentenced in August
*** CORRECTION: The original version of this article contained errors. It said that former Buncombe County Sheriff’s Lt. Ronnie “Butch” Davis, who pleaded guilty in the federal video-gambling corruption case, had requested that his sentencing be delayed while he travels to New York to testify in an estate hearing and then takes a family vacation. […]
Medford, Penland found guilty on all counts ***UPDATED WITH PHOTOS***
Former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and former reserve Capt. Guy Penland were found guilty on all counts in their federal corruption trial this morning.
Medford trial endgame: verdict expected Thursday
Defense attorneys for former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and former reserve Capt. Guy Penland finished up their closing arguments today. Prosecutors shot back—and a verdict is expected tomorrow.
Prosecution’s closing argument: “They all say, ‘Money to Medford’”
The prosecution in the federal corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford presented their closing argument today, asserting that the evidence against the former sheriff and one of his deputies is overwhelming.
Medford trial: Defense rests
An expert witness called by former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford’s defense attorney testified Tuesday that Medford’s gambling losses totaled $122,000 from 2002 to 2007, and under cross-examination agreed that Medford “put in play” more than $800,000 at casinos.
More testimony about alleged Medford bribes
This morning in the corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, a convenience-store owner and video-poker operator, as well as a retired bookie, both testified that they bribed Medford to continue their illegal operations.
Poker operator alleges favors received from Sheriff’s Office
At the trial this afternoon of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, video-poker operator Jerry Pennington said he received favors from the sheriff’s office under Medford, including an honorary deputy’s badge and getting gambling charges dismissed through forged community-service documents.
Video poker operator: Bribes given to sheriffs
In the corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, a salesman for a confessed illegal video-poker operator said that he repeatedly gave bribes — sometimes as much as $3,000 — to Medford, along with legal donations to the Clerk of Court and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The company also bribed the Haywood County Sheriff, he testified.
Opening statements in Medford trial: Very different portraits
Both prosecutors and defense attorneys in the federal corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford made their opening statements yesterday afternoon, painting very different portraits of the former law officer.
Bobby Medford trial: Day 2
Judge Tim Ellis had hoped to get to opening remarks yesterday in the corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and former reserve Capt. Guy Penland. But that proved to be “unwarranted optimism,” and jury selection continued this morning.
Jury selection begins in Medford trial
Jury selection began today in the corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, with Judge Thomas Ellis, III summing up the charges and laying out the guidelines for the case.
Former sheriff heads to court
With the trial of Bobby Medford slated to begin April 29, all eyes will be focused on the longtime former Buncombe County sheriff. Here’s a brief history of the arrests, plea bargains and legal maneuvers to date in the complex case: • November 1994: Medford is elected Buncombe County sheriff. He will hold the post […]