By Gina Smith, Alabama Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wual/local-wual-518616.mp3
Montgomery, AL – Former Governor Don Siegelman and HealthSouth founder and former CEO Richard Scrushy are guilty of government corruption charges. The verdict was handed down yesterday (Thursday, 6/29) in federal court. Gina Smith reports from Montgomery.
Former Governor Don Siegelman remains positive, despite his conviction on seven corruption counts, including bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
Siegelman's conviction stems from a conspiracy in which prosecutors say Scrushy paid then-Governor Siegelman half a million dollars for a seat on a state hospital regulatory board. But Siegelman maintains that Scrushy's money was legitimately used to pay off debts incurred during the 1999 lottery campaign.
Meanwhile, Scrushy attorney Art Leach says he thinks his client's case was jeopardized because the judge didn't allow separate trials for each of the four defendants.
The RICO conspiracy Leach is referring to is a series of racketeering charges against Siegelman and Hamrick. Both men were found innocent of those charges. Leach's client, Richard Scrushy, says he is disappointed in the verdict.
Scrushy's wife Leslie says she and her husband hope for the best.
Prosecutors in the case are naturally pleased with the outcome.
U.S. attorney Louis Franklin says the verdict sends a clear message to public officials.
Two other defendants in the case were cleared of all charges.
Siegelman's former Chief of Staff Paul Hamrick says he hopes the verdict will be an end to what he says was harassment by the government.
Former State Transportation Director Mack Roberts was also acquitted.
Motions by attorneys for Siegelman and Scrushy are still before U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller.
However, no action is expected on those motions for another four weeks.
For Alabama Public Radio, I'm Gina Smith.