Ala. gambling task force cost put at $3.9 million

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A Montgomery TV station says nearly $4 million was spent on Alabama's illegal gambling task force in the two years it was active.

WAKA-TV reports that Gov. Robert Bentley says the high cost was one reason for shutting down the task force.

Then-Gov. Bob Riley created the task force in December 2008. Raids were conducted statewide, including White Hall in Lowndes County and Victoryland in Macon County. The $3.9 million price included costs for overtime salaries, moving trucks, aviation flight times and vehicles.

Riley issued a statement saying the task force did what was necessary to uphold the rule of law and restore order.