UPDATE: CBS 42's Scott Packard is reporting that jury selection in the bingo corruption trial has been moved to February 6th.


Montgomery, Ala. (WIAT) - Just hours before he was set to again fight federal charges, a defendant in Alabama's gambling corruption case dies.

Former legislative analyst Joseph Crosby's body was found at his Montgomery home Sunday afternoon. The circumstances surrounding his death are not yet clear. The Montgomery Police Department will only say they are conducting a death investigation.

Crosby is one of seven people set to be retried for charges relating to an alleged plan to buy and sell votes during Alabama's 2010 Legislative Session.

WAKA-TV in Montgomery reports the judge in the case and defense attorneys took part in a conference call Sunday evening. The remaining defendants are expected to report to federal court Monday morning as scheduled. A decision will then be made on if the trial will be delayed.

Crosby was originally charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of federal program bribery, and 11 counts of mail and wire fraud. Several of those charges were dropped during the firstl trial. Jurors could not reach a verdict on Crosby's only remaining charge of bribery

Federal prosecutors say Crosby was bribed by VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor to draft favorable gambling legislation.

Crosby worked for for the Legislative Reference Service for more than 30 years. His duties included writing bills for the Alabama Legislature. Among Crosby's specialties included gambling legislation.