Siegelman plans to appeal his nearly 6 year sentence

Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman plans to appeal his almost six year sentence on corruption charges to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

Siegelman filed a notice of appeal with U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller today in Montgomery. Judge Fuller sentenced him to 78 months in prison earlier in August.

Siegelman is set report to federal prison on Sept. 11. Siegelman was convicted in 2006 along with HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy of working in a conspiracy to accept a $500,000 bribe to put Scrushy on a state medical regulatory board.

During his sentencing, his attorney Susan James asked for home detention, citing there was never evidence of Siegelman and Scrushy entering into an agreement to provide and accept a bribe. U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller said during the hearing there was evidence of a bribe.

Siegelman's daughter Dana Siegelman has launched an online petition to present to the Obama administration asking for a pardon or commutation. To view or sign the petition, visit donsiegelman.org.

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