June 28, 2007

Siegelman: “I don’t have a choice.”

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—This morning’s arrival of the key players in the sentencing of former Gov. Don Siegelman and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy was relatively subdued. 

Siegelman’s attorney, Vince Kilborne, arrived first. He chatted for a moment with reporters outside before continuing on inside the federal courthouse. He told NBC 13’s Jon Paepke that his client doesn’t need to be rehabilitated by prison.

Scrushy arrived at the courthouse with only his wife by his side. He crossed the street in front of the courthouse quietly and spoke briefly to the press. Scrushy was quick to remind the small group of reporters and cameramen that he took a lie detector test. “I’m not guilty,” he said, and then continued on across the plaza and up the courthouse steps.

When Siegelman arrived in a white Cadillac Escalade, he helped his wife and the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth out of the car before turning to reporters. He seemed positive in the face of at least 10 years in prison, if the judge decides to go by the sentencing guidelines handed down yesterday. He also appeared realistic and accepting of his fate and of the very real possibility that he’ll be sentenced to prison today. When asked if he was ready for today’s proceedings and ready to face the very real possibility that he could be sentenced today, Siegelman said, “I don’t have a choice.”

When the prosecution team arrived, their message was clear: “It’s our hope that the judge will jail these men today.”