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Madoff Accountant Pleads Guilty, Faces 114 Years

But denies knowing about Ponzi scheme

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2009 12:18 PM CST

(Newser) – Bernie Madoff's accountant says he's a lousy auditor but no criminal. Still, he pleaded guilty to a slew of fraud charges today that could land him in prison for 114 years when he's sentenced in February. While admitting that he failed to conduct independent audits and took the statements of Madoff employees at "face value," David Friehling insisted he never knew about Madoff's Ponzi scheme, notes the Wall Street Journal.

David Friehling exits Manhattan federal court Tuesday.
David Friehling exits Manhattan federal court Tuesday.   (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
David Friehling, left, exits Manhattan federal court Tuesday.
David Friehling, left, exits Manhattan federal court Tuesday.   (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)
A file photo for David Friehling.
A file photo for David Friehling.   (AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano, file)
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(In) the biggest mistake of my life, I placed my trust in Bernard Madoff. - David Friehling, accountant who invested $500,000 with Madoff

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
cochiserocks
Nov 4, 2009 3:06 AM CST
Well firstly, I think it is impossible for one man to pull something like this off without his support staff understanding what was going on. Secondly, for too long the enablers of crime (professionals who earn a massive amount for advising criminals how best to stash their loot or hide their crimes) have got away and carried on to the next dodgy deal - in fact some have reputations built on this - they can get the guilty off and have a client base attracted to their 'skills'. I'm basically saying its about time some of these guys went down and sent a message to the wider professional community that if they do not conduct themselves with the integrity their professions are meant to be rooted in, then they too are vulnerable to prosecution - regardless of the fact they were just 'carrying out orders' or 'didn't know'. Of course they knew - and they're driving around in porsches paid for with dirty money with no sense of responsibility or consequence - and probably being recruited by the next Madoff who knows they know the game, keep their mouths shut and are happy to take the money whatever the deal is. Time for a bit of accountability in all these professions - the banker are just the tip of the iceberg.
Netstorm2k10
Nov 3, 2009 9:41 AM CST
Sigh.
cochiserocks
Nov 3, 2009 6:32 AM CST
Yeah - right. A guy who knows about money, trained in the counting of money, understands rates or return, investment, markets, etc...knew nothing about money. He must have been chosen for the role because of his ability to 'look the other way' in the first place. Nice to see an accountant get it in the neck for once - they normally just get paid, whatever happens, and take no responsibility for the consequences. I'd like to see his lawyers up against the wall next.

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