Advertisement

Former Ala. governor guilty of bribery

MONTGOMERY, Ala., June 30 (UPI) -- Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy have been convicted of bribery and conspiracy.

Lawyers for both defendants said they would appeal Thursday's convictions, The New York Times reported. Siegelman's former chief of staff and transportation director were acquitted.

Advertisement

Prosecutors charged that Scrushy helped Siegelman pay debts stemming from an unsuccessful effort to get a state lottery, in return for appointment to a board regulating hospitals. Siegelman, who campaigned for the Democratic nomination for governor during the trial, claimed that the criminal charges were inspired by Republican Gov. Bob Riley, who defeated him four years ago.

Scrushy was acquitted last year of accounting fraud at HealthSouth.

Latest Headlines