Sheriff, Triana bingo operators may compromise

Texas group says games are a legal charity function

The attorney seeking a temporary restraining order against the Madison County sheriff over a Triana electronic bingo operation asked a federal judge to postpone a hearing this morning because the parties are trying to work out the situation out of court.

Sheriff Blake Dorning authorized a raid on the electronic gaming machine parlor on Nov. 3 and confiscated $3 million in equipment, stating the business was violating state gambling laws.

Michael Choy, a Birmingham attorney representing the Texas veterans group that was running the electronic for-charity bingo center under contract with the Alabama VFW, contends that the operation was conducting business legally. The attorney filed a motion for a restraining order against Dorning to prevent him from seizing any more gaming machines his client might place in the Triana building.

Choy said late Thursday afternoon that his discussions with Madison County Attorney Julian Butler held promise that the two sides could find a compromise and not have to indulge in a "lengthy, expensive court battle."

So far, Choy said, the defendant has agreed not to execute arrest warrants on those affiliated with the operation. The plaintiff has promised not to bring in any more machines for the time being, he said.

"We've asked for a continuance to see if we can demonstrate to the sheriff's satisfaction that we were operating a legal bingo operation in Triana," Choy said.

Butler said he does not comment on pending litigation. Dorning is out of town and unavailable for comment.