Sentencing Postponed for Ex-Enron Execs

HOUSTON -- Sentencing hearings this summer for two former Enron Corp. executives who have pleaded guilty to various charges have been postponed until next year, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.

Michael Kopper, once the top aide to former Enron finance chief Andrew Fastow, pleaded guilty in August 2002 to money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, is now set for sentencing on Feb. 27. His previous sentencing had been moved to July 25.

Kopper admitted helping Fastow run complicated financial schemes that fueled Enron's December 2001 collapse. He said he funneled money to Fastow, pocketed millions of dollars and loaned money to colleagues and friends to invest in partnerships so they would appear independent of Enron while hiding debt and inflating profits for the company.

Larry Lawyer, a former midlevel executive, pleaded guilty in November to filing false tax returns that failed to identify more than $79,000 in income from 1997 to 2000. He is now scheduled to be sentenced next March 8. His previous hearing had been reset to Aug. 4.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 06/19/03