Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 23

Aug 6 2008 Post-Gazette PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2008 WWW.POST-GAZETTE.COM C-5 BUSINESS Ohio executives sentenced in a fraud By Andrew Welsh-huggins The Associated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio A federal judge yesterday handed down the first sentences to defendants convicted in a $1.9 billion corporate fraud case that federal prosecutors compared with the Enron or World- Com scandals. U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley sentenced Donald Ayers, a former chief operating officer with National Century Financial Enterprises, to 15 years in prison for his role in the fraud. Randolph Speer, the former chief financial officer, received a 12-year sentence. The sentences were long enough to punish the men, to deter others from committing similar crimes in the future and to respect the law, Judge Marbley said.

Judge Marbley also ordered the men to repay billions of dollars to investors, along with three other co-defendants yet to be sentenced. Mr. Speer, 57, of Peachtree City, and Mr. Ayers, 72, of Fort Myers, were among five former executives with National Century convicted in March of defrauding investors over several years. The men said they were innocent, and their lawyers argued the government had shown only a fraction of the activities in making their fraud case.

Judge Marbley called Mr. Ayers an architect in a scheme to conceal the fraud and said the case was a poster child for an elaborate cover-up of wrongdoing. Judge Marbley said Mr. Ayers and his co-defendants perpetrated massive fraud over a decade and caused thousands of investors to lose money. avarice, your arrogance and your hubris led to your Judge Marbley told Mr.

Ayers. could have operated in a legitimate fashion with NCFE, but you chose not Judge Marbley could have sentenced Mr. Ayers to 55 years and Mr. Speer to up to 125 years under federal sentencing guidelines. National Century was a health-care financing company based in suburban Columbus.

Prosecutors said executives authorized millions in unsecured loans to the health care providers, then misled investors about the loans. As the money owed to the company mounted, National Century declared bankruptcy in November 2002. Sentencing was scheduled today for Roger Faulkenberry, a former executive vice president who raised money from investors, and James Dierker, the former vice president of client development. A fifth defendant, Rebecca Parrett, fled in March while on bond following her conviction and has not been found. The FBI was issued a warrant for her arrest.

Mr. Speer earned more than $1.2 million during his time at the company, while Mr. Ayers earned more than $7.4 million while he was there. Both entered the courtroom yesterday wearing ankle and wrist shackles and dressed in red jail clothes with the word down one pants leg. Mr.

attorney, Brian Dickerson argued yesterday that Mr. Ayers had led an exemplary life and had no criminal record before the National Cen- tury charges. Mr. Ayers helped reinvigorate two local hospitals as a health care executive and is a devoted father to the two daughters he adopted after marrying his third wife, Mr. Dickerson said.

not a blemish on his Mr. Dickerson said. He also said any significant prison term would be a death sentence for his client because of his age. But a government prosecutor said Mr. Ayers was guilty of particularly personal crimes because they involved lying to investors about the books.

cover-up in this case involves some of the most egregious behavior ever read about in this kind of securities said Wes Porter, a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. National Century offered financing to small hospitals, nursing homes and other health-care providers by purchasing their accounts receivable, usually for 80 or 90 cents on the dollar, so the providers have to wait for insurance payments. National Century then collected the full amount of the payments. Lance Poulsen, the founder and chief executive officer, faces his own trial in October.

He is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow for his March conviction on charges he tried to bribe a witness. Messrs. Ayers, Speer and Faulkenberry have been in jail since evidence emerged in April of an alleged attempt to flee the country before sentencing. Mr. Dierker was jailed briefly as part of the same allegation but was later released.

avarice, your arrogance and your hubris led to your demise. You could have operated in a legitimate fashion with NCFE, but you chose not U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley Five former employees convicted of defrauding investors over several years Church, officiating. Entombment will follow in the Twin Valley Memorial Park Mausoleum, Delmont. To send online expressions of sympathy, or for grief support information or directions, please visit www.VaiaFuneralHome.com Send condolences at Cont.

from Previous Page PORTER JANE A. (ZEISLER) Age 87 of Ross Township, on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Beloved wife for 66 years of George Porter. Mother of John Charles (Diane) Porter Sally (Skip) Tourville; sister of Charles (Cecilia) Zeisler Bettie Batty; proud grandmother of John (Kay) Porter, Jason (Vikki) Porter Scott Tourville. Also survived by 7 great-grandchildren many nieces nephews.

A special thank you to Tom Kathy Batty Richard Maryann Stewart for our kindness and support as loving caregivers. Family will welcome friends on Friday from 7-9 p.m. at the SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, 388 Center West View where service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Jane was a charter member of Mellwood Women's Club. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Ross Community Presbyterian Church, 4501 Nelson Run PA 15214.

www.schellhaasfh.com Send condolences at CLASSIFIED OBITUARIES READAL MARY H. Age 94, of on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. Wife of the late Thomas beloved mother of Rosemary Booth, John P. Readal, Thomas C. Readal and Gerald J.

Readal; also survived by 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Friends received FRIDAY from 2-4 7-9 pm at WORRELL FUNERAL HOME, INC. corner of Main and 9th Sharpsburg. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 10:00 am in St. Mary Church, Sharpsburg.

Send condolences at SABER BETTY LOUISE (CRAIN) 82, a longtime resident of Monroeville, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2008. She was born June 4, 1926, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late John and Louise (Lowstetter) Crain. Betty was a longtime member of the Monroeville United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen Saber. Betty will be greatly missed and is survived by her loving family; 2 devoted children, Janice Michael and her husband Van, and Gary Saber and his wife, Diane; 4 precious grand children, Kevin Michael, Kaylene Michael, Chelsea Saber and Nathan Saber; and 2 cherished great-grandchildren, Carson Michael and Kemper Singleton.

Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Friday at the VAIA FUNERAL HOME, 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, 15626 (724) 468-1177. Funeral services for Betty will be conducted in the funeral home at 2:30 p.m. immediately following visitation with the Reverend Brenda Rochford of the Monroeville United Methodist RADFORD VIVIAN ELAINE Vivian Elaine Radford, 85 went home peacefully to be with her Lord on August 3, 2008.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of the late Edward and Edna Losh, she was a descendant of one of the first families to settle in Ohio. Mrs. Radford attended Dayton public schools and the University of Dayton. She was employed as an executive secretary before becoming a homemaker. Vivian and her husband Charles retired to Garden City Beach, SC in September 1986.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife and companion, a cherished mother and a loving grandmother. She was a talented tole painter, seamstress and cook whose meals were always a family delight. Vivian loved to grow roses and as a member of a garden club in Pittsburgh, Pa, won several awards. She was a member of Belin Memorial Methodist Church where she served as a Communion Steward for ten years and also a member of the Worship committee. Vivian was a wonderful model of love expressed in this world.

Vivian and her beloved husband, Charles celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 3, 2008. From their blessed union, she is survived by three children, Deborah Lynne Radford Frownfelter of Summit, MO, Kevin Charles Radford of New Brighton, PA and Patricia Ann Radford of Sarver, PA; six grandchildren, Alaina Frownfelter of Lewisberry, PA, Ross Frownfelter of Harrisburg, PA, Stacy Radford of McKees Rocks, PA, Jessica Bridges of Tucson, AZ, Laura Drathman of Erie, PA and Kate Drathman of New Brighton, PA. A celebration of life service will be 3:00 PM, Thursday, August 7 at Belin United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Belin Methodist Church Land Acquisition Fund, PO Box 528, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Sign guest book at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Send condolences at SHUTT HARRY H.

Age 85, of North Side, currently of Crafton, peacefully on Wednesday August 6, 2008. Sergeant Shutt First Division 26th Infantry U.S. Army. Husband of Jean; loving father of Cheryl McLuckie, and Ronald Shutt; brother of the late Billy, Gussie, Robert, Lucy, Laura, Mabel, and Betty; also survived by five grandchildren Richard, Darin, Duane, and Derek McLuckie and Melissa Shutt eight great grandchildren Nicole, Kalynn, Larrisa, David, James David, Ava, Connor, and Elise and one great great grandson Anthony. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation 27 p.m. FRIDAY ONLY at HENNEY, BRADWELL NIRELLA FUNERAL HOME, 524 Washington Carnegie, where funeral service will be held Saturday 11 a.m. Send condolences at SPEAKMAN ANNA BARBARA Age 93 of Penn Hills died Wed. Aug. 6, 2008.

Wife of the late Joseph Speakman; mother of Mary Ann Guesman (Jim); grandmother of Kate Guesman all of Level Green; sister of Dorothy Rensland of Turtle Creek. Family and friends will be received in the OHN M. DOBRINICK FUNERAL HOME INC. 702 7th St. (Rt.

130) Trafford 412-372-3111 on Thurs. from 7-9PM and Fri. 2-4 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be at 10 AM in the Level Green Presbyterian Church, 105 Olive Dr. Trafford.

Everyone please go directly to the church. Prrivate interment will follow in the William Penn Cemetery. Send condolences at LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Linden Avenue, East Pittsburgh, 412-824-8800. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Muhleman Memorial United Methodist Church.

Send condolences at SPEAR DOROTHY A. (LeJEUNE) Age 94, of South Park, on Sunday, August 3, 2008. Beloved wife of the late Gerald loving mother of Carole (John) Steiner, Joyce (the late Jack) Davern, Donald (Pamela) Spear, Cheryl (David) Bayne and the late Gerald L. (Shirley) Spear; sister of the late Nicholas, Alice, Joseph, Martin LeJeune and Dolores Fitz; cherished grandmother of Linda Stadtfeld, Shelley Jones, Gerald L. Spear, Kelly Fields, Donald Marc, Todd, Kaitlin, Alexander Spear, Jacqueline Ryan Bayne and the late Sean Davern; also survived by 15 great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 7-9PM Wednesday and 2-4 7-9PM Thursday at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills where a Blessing Service will be held Friday. Interment Jefferson Memorial Park. www.jeffersonmemorial.biz Send condolences at STEWART GERTRUDE E. (PROUGH) Of Braddock Hills, age 79, on Monday, August 4, 2008. Gertrude was the longest living member of the Muhleman Memorial United Methodist Church.

Wife of the late Richard Sech; mother of Diana Wilson and Sherrie Kutchman both of Pitcairn; grandmother of Tracy Harcarik (Jerry), Angel Kutchman, Katherine Kelly (D.J.), Richard Wilson, Ashley Witfield (Glenn, Rebecca Raible and Shane Raible; great-grandmother of Evan Ivock and Glenn Witfield, III. Friends welcome from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in the PATRICK T. SZAZYNSKI TIMOTHY 74 of Clearwater, Florida went peacefully to be with The Lord on August 4, 2008 at home with his family by his side.

His passions in Life were: God, His Wife and His Family Grandchildren, Baseball, Tennis, Traveling the World, Gardening, Broadway Shows. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA July 2, 1934. He went to Washington Vocational High School and graduated at age 16. At age 19, he had baseball contracts with the Brunswick Pirates, Daytona Beach Baseball Club Minor League Teams. In 1957 Tim formed and managed the Lawrenceville Tigers Baseball Team which was a member of Pittsburgh's Federation League and dominated in the 1960's.

In 1969 The Tigers won the National Amateur Title in Buffalo, New York and received the Trophy from Governor David L. Lawrence of PA. In the 1970's he built his Sports Empire of LakeVue Racquet Club, LakeVue Ice Palace, LakeVue SportsWorld, and LakeVue North Golf Course in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1988, he purchased Royal Racquet Club in Clearwater Florida to continue his dream to play tennis every day with his Family and Friends. He is survived by his loving, devoted Wife, Carol of 49 years.

His 3 daughters, Valerie (Joe) Schaefer, Colleen (Jeff) Singer, Donna (Walt) Coddington, 3 sons, Gregory (Julia), Tim Jr. (Angela) David (Laurel) and 15 Awesome Grandchildren. 2 Sisters, Alethia (Bernie) Klavon, Carol (Jerry) Reims. His parents, Elizabeth (Gollatz) and Thomas went to heaven before him. Visitation Sat.

and Sun. 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. NEELYS 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw.

Mass of Christian Burial Mon. 10:00 A.M. St. Bonaventure Church. Send condolences at THOMAS ANDRE D.

On August 5, 2008, Andre, age 37, of Monroeville. Son of Dennis and Donna Thomas; father of Saharra N. Schantz; brother of Anthony Turner, Darwin Askew and Tanya Askew; special friend of Michelle Schantz; also survived by other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday 5-9 pm at WATTS MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 808 Talbot Braddock, 412-271-3880. Funeral service ill be Saturday 10 am at the Unity Baptist Church, 1023 Talbot Braddock.

Interment Monongahela Cemetery. Send condolences at VIDA HELEN GIALLONARDO (MURPHY) On Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Wife of the late George Vida and the late Raymond Nicholas Giallonardo. Beloved mother of Pauline (Hank) Panza, Nicholas (Debbie) Giallonardo and the late Raymond (Kathy) Giallonardo. Devoted grandmother of Henry (Mary), Angela, Raymond (Tina), Lisa and Nicholas Raymond.

Loving great grandmother of Regina, Jessica, Nicholas, Henry, Sarah, Colleen, Salena, Jordan, Christopher, Marrina, Sydney and precious great great grandmother of Savannah. Sister of youngest brother Bobby Murphy. Preceded in death by brothers and sisters: Thomas, Harry, George, Jimmy, Patrick, Charles, Dorothy, Margie, and Adeline. Preceded in death by brother-in -law Paul (Shirley) Vida and life-long friend Mary Rickard. WATSON THOMAS Jr.

Age 84, on Monday, August 4, 2008, of Wilkins formerly of Penn Hills; beloved husband of Betty Watson; father of Thomas (Janice) Watson, Douglas (Lois) Watson and Mark (Angela) Watson; brother of the late Clyde Watson; also eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Tom was a proud Navy WWII veteran, active with the Boy Scouts, and a retired Claim Adjuster for P.M.A. Friends received WOLFE MEMORIAL, INC, Forest Hills Chapel, 3604 Greenburg Pike, 412-731-5001, THURSDAY ONLY, 2-4 6:30 until time of Blessing Service at Prayers at the funeral home Friday, 11am, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Forbes Hospice. Send condolences at WHIGHAM AUDREY S.

(SOMMERS) On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, age 78 of Ross Township. Beloved wife for 57 years of Robert L. Whigham. Loving mother of Sheila (David) Mack; proud grandmother of David, Connor and Mariah Mack. Family will welcome friends on Thursday from 2-4 7-9 p.m.

and Friday from 11 a.m. until time of service at 12 noon at the SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, 388 Center West View. www.schellhaasfh.com Send condolences at WHITEFORD CHRISTOPHER M. Suddenly on Monday, August 4, 2008, age 29 of North Side. Beloved son of Sharon (Christ) the late William J.

Whiteford. Dear brother of the late Billy, Jr. Also survived by many loving uncles, aunts cousins. Friends received Thursday, 2-4 7-9 p.m. at SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME 388 Center Avenue in West View, where services will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Please pay tribute at www.schellhaasfh.com Send condolences at WORST ANNA C. Age 90, of Evans City, on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Born May 1, 1918 in Sharpsburg, the daughter of the late Peter Margaret Becker Miller. Beloved mother of, Harold F. "Bussie" (Ruth) Worst of Enon Valley, Ronald R.

Worst of New Bern, NC, Paul F. (Maria) Worst of Butler, Virginia M. (Orlo) Hall of Portersville, Clara A. (Ron) Greene of Fenelton, Bernadette Magill of Evans City, Marian McFarland of West Sunbury; also 24 grandchildren 30 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold A.

Worst in 2004, stepmother, Mary Tewes, 1 brother and 1 stepsister. Friends will be received 2-4 7-9 PM Friday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 116 E. Main Street, Evans City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Saturday at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 417 E.

Main Evans City. Interment Greenlawn Burial Estates, Butler. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 100 W. Station Square The Landmarks Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to St. Matthias Catholic Church, 417 E.

Main Evans City, PA 16033. On-line condolences directions at www.boylanfuneralhome.com Send condolences at WOZNY PETER A. Age 75 of Carnegie on Monday August 4, 2008; beloved husband of Louella Wozny; loving father of Anna (Dennis) Underwood, Peter (Janet), David (Joy), Timothy, Christopher (late Sue) and Wayne Wozny; brother of Irene Galosky, Stephie Iacono and the late Anna Koziak, Anthony and Samuel Wozny, Frank and John Hanzlik; also survived by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation 2-4 7-9 pm THURSDAY ONLY at HENNEY, BRADWELL NIRELLA FUNERAL HOME 524 Washington Carnegie, where Funeral Service will be held Friday 9 am. Send condolences at Cards of Thanks Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent beautiful flowers, if so, we saw them there. Perhaps you sent or spoke kind words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, but thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console the heart, we thank you so much, whatever the part. Family of Andrew L.

Kane In Memoriam BRANDIMARTI J. EDWARD Forever in our hearts. The Brandimarti Family CZYSZ GENE PAUL 01-04-1972 to 08-07-1997 Eleven years ago God called you home which tore us apart. It left a void so unimaginable in all of our broken hearts. Just when you think their be another tear to cry, they come pouring down upon us like rain drops out of a darkened sky, and even though we know that in a much better place, there is not a single day goes by that we long to hear your voice or see our face.

So until that glorious day when all together again, rest in peace and know that our love for ou will never end. All of our love Mom, Karen, Gram and all who loved you. Friends may call Wednesday 7-9 and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at 3724 California at Cooper Aves. N.S. Funeral Mass in Risen Lord Church Friday, 10 am.

Interment to follow in Highwood Cemetery. Send condolences at KOMOROSKY HELEN April 30, 1908 August 7, 2007 Mom, a year has passed since ou died and things just been the same, and never can be without you. Mom, I truly enjoyed all the years caring for you, especially the last few when you care for yourself. You always told me try my and ou did Mom, you were great. Although gone from my sight, always be with me because a part of you Mom forever and ever.

Rest in Peace Chuckie NOULLET WILLIAM R. Bill, you were the core of our family. You were the light of my life. Time can not deminish my love for you. Wonderful memories keep me going.

Know that you are deeply missed by your wife and family. PETTNER EDWARD SR. Age 64, of McKees Rocks, peacefully on Aug 4, loving husband to the late Phyllis. Father to Donna (Edward) Gleason, Ed Sharon (Jeff), Melissa (Thomas) St. Claire.

Also survived by 8 grandchildren 1 great grandchild, beloved brother of 6 siblings. Family to receive friends at McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC. 1225 Chartiers Ave, Thursday 2-4 6-8. Service at at the funeral home. Send condolences at PILLAR JOHN Of Pine on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, age 77; beloved husband of Mary Jane Mattern Pillar; loving father of Karen and Gary Vogel, Leslie and Mark Mitros and Rob and Ginger Pillar; brother of Marie McDonough and the late Marty Pillar; loving grandfather of David, Rachel, Elizabeth, John, Peter, Andrew, Emily and Claire; great-grandfather of Lane Eakin.

John was the founder and successful businessman of Pillar Industrial Products in Leetsdale. He enlivened his family with his spirit of generosity and his zest for life. He was a Korean Army War Veteran. Friends received Thurs. 7-9pm Fri.

2-4 7-9pm at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME OF CRANBERRY 2678 Rochester (724-772-8800). Funeral Sat. morning with Mass of Christian Burial in St. Kilian Church, Mars at 10am with Fr. Charles Bober as celebrant.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Aquinas Academy Bldg. Fund, 2308 West Hardies Gibsonia, PA 15044. Send condolences at PINKOS MARGARET S. Of Plum Boro on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, age 78. Beloved wife of the late George J.

Pinkos. Mother of Marjorie Phillips, Beverly Tomei, and Drew Bentley. Also seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was involved in many Plum Boro senior and civic activities. Friends received at GENE H.

CORL FUNERAL CHAPEL, CREMATION CENTER OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike (1 block east of Mosside Blvd.) (A Golden Rule). Visitation 10-12 pm Friday. Mass of Christian burial St. Bernadette Church at 12:30 pm. CORL FAMILY DIRECTORS 412-372-2100.

www.corlfuneralchapel.com Send condolences at.