Curtis Adams Says Sees No Harm In Casino Visit
posted February 21, 2008
Chief Deputy Sheriff Allen Branum, questioned by the County Commission on Thursday, acknowledged he made a trip to a casino at Tunica, Miss., with former Sheriff Billy Long.
But he said he did not gamble and "didn't like it."
He was questioned by Commissioner Richard Casavant, who said he had heard "rumor and innuendo" about the trip.
Chief Branum on Wednesday was asked twice by Chattanoogan.com if he had gone to Tunica with former Sheriff Long, who is now in jail on federal charges. Chief Branum indicated he had not, saying, "I can't afford to do that."
Commissioner Casavant told him he was giving him the chance "to clear the air."
Chief Branum told the commissioner, "I have been before. I went one time in my whole life. I was on my own time."
He said it was "relating to another trip. It was a short trip down and back. I rode down there. Didn't like it."
Chief Branum said, "I don't gamble."
Asked when the trip was, he said it was "quite some time back."
Commissioner Casavant asked if it had been years back, and Chief Branum said it was "probably within the past year."
Asked who was with him on the trip, he did not answer at first and then said, "The sheriff - the former sheriff - was there."
Chief Branum said of the matter, "Those who do it legally, I don't see the big issue."
He added, "There's nothing illegal about it. I went for the first and last time. I don't see what the draw is."
Commissioner Curtis Adams said, "A lot of good people go down the Mississippi to see the gambling boats."
He said, "A couple of years ago I was staying at the Peabody with Dot, and they sent a big bus up and took us to Tunica. They gave us $5 worth of nickles, and we gave them back - jamming them in the machines."
Commissioner Adams said a trip to Tunica "is like a tourist thing."
General Sessions Court Judge Ron Durby said he made a recent trip to Tunica with former Sheriff Long. The judge said he cannot remember who else was in the car on the six-hour trip.
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