Scrushy sentenced to 70 months

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Richard Scrushy has been sentenced to 70 months in prison (nearly six years), which is less than his previous sentence.
    
The former HealthSouth CEO's lawyers had argued for reduced time at Scrushy's new sentencing hearing Wednesday on his 2006 bribery conviction.
    
He had earlier been sentenced to almost seven years in prison, but was granted the new hearing when an appeals court dropped two charges.
    
Prosecutors had asked U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller for 82 months. Scrushy's lawyers wanted 63 months. Either way, Scrushy would return to prison but could soon be eligible for a halfway house if his lawyers prevail.
    
Scrushy told the judge that he's a changed man.
    
He and former Gov. Don Siegelman were convicted in what prosecutors said was a scheme involving donations to Siegelman's campaign for a statewide lottery.