Madoff auditor could carve out plea bargain
Federal judge gives prosecutors the go-ahead to cut a deal with David Friehling
David Friehling, the former auditor of convicted fraudster Bernard Madoff,
could cut a deal with US prosecutors.
A federal judge gave prosecutors the go-ahead to reach a possible settlement
with Friehling after he entered a not guilty plea last week to charges including
filing false reports,
the
Sunday Times reported.
Friehling allegedly signed off Madoff’s accounts year after year without
checking their accuracy.
But legal experts believe he is ready to cut a deal because he waived his
right to a grand jury hearing, known to be a sign that a defendant is willing to
negotiate with prosecutors.
US district judge Alvin Hellerstein agreed to convene the next hearing on 1
October, giving the prosecutors time to hammer out an accord with Friehling.