Tyson said in Macon Co. Circuit Court that he tried to raid the Victoryland because the local district attorney had made it clear he would not enforce laws against illegal gambling.

Tyson made the statement Friday in a heated exchange with District Attorney Paul Jones. Macon County leaders say Tyson has no authority in their area because they never asked him to investigate Victoryland.

"I am here because the governor specifically directed me to, and while I personally have no authority here, the governor does, and the governor appointed me to handle illegal gambling cases all over the state of Alabama, including Macon County," Tyson told the court.

Macon County officials are asking Circuit Judge Tom Young to extend his temporary order that blocks the task force from raiding Victoryland, the state's largest electronic bingo casino.

Young recessed the hearing until Monday, but he extended his order until then as well. It was due to expire Friday.

(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved.)