Ex-Alabama governor, former HealthSouth CEO sentenced in corruption case
6/28/2007MONTGOMERY, Ala. Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison, and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy got nearly seven years Thursday in a bribery and corruption case that the judge said damaged public trust in state government.
Supporters of both men testified at their sentencing hearing, listing their good deeds as attorneys and pleaded with U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller to show mercy.
While it is true the good far exceeds the bad, I must impose a fair punishment to reassure all that come before this court that justice is blind, Fuller said in sentencing Siegelman.
Both men were immediately taken into custody after the judge denied defense requests to let them remain free while they appeal.
The two once-prominent figures in politics and business were escorted out of the courtroom by U.S. marshals and were not allowed to talk to family members.
Scrushy s family cried quietly in the courtroom. Siegelman s wife, Lori, left immediately.
Siegelman was fined $50,000 due immediately, plus $181,325 to a state agency where prosecutors said kickbacks were made. He is to perform 500 hours of community service when his sentence of seven years, four months is completed.
Scrushy was fined $150,000 due immediately, plus ordered to pay restitution of $267,000 to be paid to United Way of Central Alabama. He also was ordered to perform 500 hours of community service when released.
Both are to be on supervised release for three years when their terms end.
Both have promised appeals.
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