Madoff auditor pleads not guilty, but talking deal
Bernard Madoff's accountant David Friehling
A U.S. federal judge has granted prosecutors more time to negotiate a possible plea bargain with Bernard Madoff’s longtime auditor.
Accountant David Friehling pleaded not guilty Friday to charges including securities fraud and filing false reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Prosecutors said Friehling rubber-stamped Madoff’s books for 17 years without confirming their accuracy. He is the only person besides Madoff facing criminal charges so far in the case.
Friehling also waived his right Friday to have a grand jury consider his case, a step often taken in cases where a plea bargain is likely. He had been charged previously, but had not yet entered a formal plea.
read more… [Assoc. Press]
