Dear Friends and Supporters,
The past two years have been an incredible journey for my family and me.
As you know by now, I was originally indicted on 85 counts. Through the course of this ordeal, the government threw out some counts and Judge Bowdre dismissed many counts; but most significantly, a jury of my peers found me not guilty on all remaining 36 counts. My case made international news for six months, as I was the first corporate CEO to be tried under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
The simple truth is and always has been this: I had no knowledge of any fraud at HealthSouth. A jury of my peers found me not guilty on all counts, and for this, I am humbly grateful.
More than this, though, I thank God. Paul said in his book to the Romans, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” It was only by God’s Grace that Leslie and I were able to stand strong and true at the prow of our ship through this mighty storm. God has used this storm in our life to increase our love and strengthen our relationship with Him; and for that, we are truly grateful.
There were others aboard, more than we can safely count, who stood by us at every turn. We know that being our steadfast friends could not have been easy during this turbulent time; that speaking out on our behalf or keeping our company has likely held a high cost in terms of your other relationships; and that believing in us, against all apparent odds, has been a true test of faith.
Among my detractors are those who contend that I have no remorse. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I ask you to remember that I founded HealthSouth, and yes, I have referred to it as my fourth child. I conceived, birthed, and nurtured that company for 20 years, and to see it go through this difficult time has been heartbreaking to me.
However, what pains me the most, is how our United States government conducted this investigation in a way that maximized the damage done to HealthSouth and to its shareholders. Some have called the government’s tactics a “shock-and-awe” campaign—but it was the shareholders who were shocked and awed. Had the government conducted their investigation properly, instead of prioritizing their media blitz, I believe HealthSouth’s stock would never have been delisted, and the stock price drop would have been minimal.
Nevertheless, I am encouraged that those who have held on to their shares of HealthSouth stock have gained nearly 50% value in their holdings since the FBI raid in March of 2003. As I have said before, HealthSouth is, and always has been, a solid company.
The jury noticed the government’s media blitz. As one juror said after the trial, “I guess like most everybody else, when you hear something about a company, that you figure, well, everybody involved is guilty. But once you go over the evidence, or the lack of evidence, and hear the testimony, it taught me you just have to gather more information before you make a decision.” I thank God the jurors were able to disregard the many untruths printed in the media and only look at the evidence.
Meanwhile, I humbly ask your continued prayers as we continue to face and fight other lawsuits. My attorneys and I remain confident about these cases, and we know that with God’s unfailing love, truth and justice will prevail again and again.
Once more, I thank you from the depths of my heart for the unselfish and constant gifts of your prayers, your faith, and your belief in my innocence. I am truly blessed. To God be the glory for this victory!
Sincerely,
Richard M. Scrushy