Two more execs plead guilty

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Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003 | 11:09 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Two former HealthSouth executives pleaded guilty Wednesday to fraud charges in a scheme to overstate earnings at the rehabilitation services company.

The pleas were entered in federal court by Richard Botts, 45, former senior vice president for tax, and Jason Brown, 34, former vice president of finance.

They are among 14 former HealthSouth executives who have entered into plea agreements with prosecutors. Investigators say HealthSouth overstated its earnings by at least $3.5 billion.

"I regret my actions and I'm very sorry for my actions that furthered this conspiracy," Botts said.

Will Hicks, 39, former vice president of investments, has also agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to make false statements to auditors and maintaining false records and was scheduled to appear in court today.