And the deal for Rick Causey is five to seven years in the clink in return for "cooperation" against Skilling and Kenny Boy.
Causey pleaded guilty to securities fraud during a re-arraignment hearing before Judge Sim Lake today. The plea deal calls for a sentence of seven years in prison that could be reduced to five years if he cooperates "fully" with the government. He also agreed to forfeit $1.25 million.Such cooperation includes debriefing prosecutors on events that led to the company's collapse.
The charge Causey pleaded guilty to normally carries a sentence of up to 10 years. Causey's attorney said he was also working on a settlement agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. April 21 was set as a tentative sentencing date for Causey.
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Lay and Skilling weren't in the courtroom for the proceedings but their attorneys were present. Judge Lake agreed to delay the start of the Skilling-Lay trial; jury selection will begin at 9 a.m. on Jan. 30.
Daniel Petrocelli, an attorney for Skilling, said today that Causey pleaded guilty "for one reason and and one reason only," to protect his family.