Ex-Ala. governor Don Siegelman headed to prison for bribery

Former Gov. Don Siegelman enters the Federal Courthouse in Montgomery, Ala., on Aug. 3, 2012. / AP Photo/Montgomery Advertiser/ Amanda Sowards

(CBS/AP) MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman says he never expected his four-decade career in public service to end in a federal courtroom.

It did Friday when a federal judge in Montgomery sentenced him to more than six years in prison for bribery and other convictions. He was released after serving nine months of his sentence due to his pending appeals, but now will head back to prison.

Video: The Prosecution of Siegelman
Video: Siegelman Update

The 66-year-old former governor and former HealthSouth chief Richard Scrushy were convicted in 2006. They arranged $500,000 in contributions to Siegelman's campaign for a state lottery in exchange for the governor appointing Scrushy to an important hospital regulatory board.

Before his sentencing that his lawyer called "cruel and unusual," Siegelman told a judge that he "deeply regrets" the things he has done.

"I apologize to people for the embarrassment my actions have caused," Siegelman said.

Acting U.S. Attorney Louis Franklin says the sentence is a "welcomed step toward closer to a dark chapter in Alabama politics."

Scrushy recently was re-sentenced to 70 months in prison in January 2012, more than a year less than his original sentence of 83 months in 2007. He was released after serving about five years of his sentence.

But the case may not be over. Siegelman said he's made no decision about whether to appeal his sentence.

[hypnotoad72]

How about "AL" for Alabama, "AK" for Alaska? "Ala" isn't quite sufficiently differential...

[CliffArnebeck]

Thank you, CBS News, for attaching to your current report your cutting edge 60 Minutes coverage of this political prosecution! "Boss Rove" continues to rule Alabama-including in the exercise of the awesome power of federal prosecutorial discretion in that state. However, thanks to the journalistic leadership of CBS, the American people are aware of the gravity of this injustice. This corrupt action, committed in the name of the American people, will boomerang against Karl Rove and his co-conspirators.

[realist2O1O]

Another GOP lead smear campaign against a democrat. Fortunately this will be remedied in November.

[ammo17]

don`t worry about the victims just worry about this piece of garbage.

[norulers]

I just LOVE watching the state eat its own.
It's SO entertaining!

[PubliusCitizen]

Consistent with the Main Stream Media's leftist support - CBS fails to report that this con was a Democratic Party governor .. when there has happened to be a con on the right... CBS reports it! .. Shame Shame CBS

[OBAMA4ALLAH-]

CBS News is really carrying the Dems and Obama like they did in 2008.
They never even posted a story on all the Black ministers out there are not going to support Obama because of his support of gay marriage.
My local News reported it but this joke of a News Agency just keeps have those convenient news black outs.

[newzjunky42]

I agree!! As someone that spends nearly four hours a day between different news agencies there is a very big slant for Obama.I voted for the guy in 2008..big mistake but anytime there is a big news story that looks bad for Dem's it tends to go unreported.It was reported two days ago that to 21 news stories on three news channels 18 were pro Obama.There were false reports that were fact checked and proven untrue and exaggerated about mitt but the news has failed to report that fact.
Kind of like the Obama campaign divide and distract.A lot know he can't win on his record in office this time around.It's pretty bad when agencies that monitor the news for truth state on camera there is a very noticeable perception to lean in favor of Obama

[BigMykul]

So, which party?

[ammo17]

DEMOCRATIC POLITICIAN.