By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – The former cash manager at HealthSouth avoided jail time during her sentencing phase Thursday in Birmingham. U.S. District Judge U.W. Clemon sentenced Catherine Fowler to two years probation and a five thousand dollar fine. Evidence showed Fowler made a series of wire transfers in 2002 to falsify a 27 million dollar stock sale. The government claimed her role resulted in at least 16 million dollars in losses. But the judge agreed with the defense's claims that Fowler didn't directly cost the company or shareholders any money. Fowler is the ninth former HealthSouth executive to be sentenced. Eight have avoided prison time...one received a five month jail sentence. Fired C-E-O Richard Scrushy remains free on a 10 million dollar bond...awaiting trial.