By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – A former HealthSouth executive was indicted Wednesday in the continuing investigation into a massive fraud at the rehabilitation giant. Hannibal Sonny Crumpler was the 17th person accused in what prosecutors say was a conspiracy to overstate earnings by $2.64 billion. Crumpler worked as controller of HealthSouth's operating division from 1992 until 2000, then worked as chief financial officer for HealthSouth relative Source Medical Solutions. He's accused of wire fraud, mail fraud and securities fraud for allegedly working with others to falsify the company's financial records. Prosecutors say he's also accused of signing an audit for Source Medical that overstated the amount of money that company owed HealthSouth by 10s of millions of dollars. Crumpler's attorney Michael Abbott says his client denies the charges and will plead not guilty.