Gardendale native Scott Beason, R-17th, has been chosen to chair the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, a powerful committee responsible for the rules of the senate, determining the qualifications for Senate members and other administrative duties.

The appointment came shortly after Beason’s involvement in a massive gambling probe was revealed. During the investigation, Beason was only referred to as “legislator 2.” A 65-page court document gives a narrative of Beason and other legislators’ actions during an undercover operation in which he wore a wire during dinner and phone conversations with lobbyists who allegedly offered to pay Beason money for his campaign in exchange for votes on pro-gambling bills.

Beason testified before a grand jury in May that he had been working with the FBI since 2009 in a statewide bingo investigation.

The investigation led to the indictments of 11 people, including  four state senators: Larry Means, James Preuitt, Harri Anne Smith and Quinton Ross Jr. Also among the arrested was Victoryland Casino owner Milton McGregor.