03 July 2008

Refco CEO Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Fraud


Ex-Refco CEO Bennett Sentenced To 16 Years in Prison for Fraud
By Chad Bray
Wall Street Journal

NEW YORK -- Phillip R. Bennett, Refco Inc.'s former chief executive, was sentenced to 16 years in prison Thursday after he pleaded guilty to criminal charges in a scheme to hide the commodities broker's financial troubles.

At a hearing Thursday, U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald in Manhattan said white-collar defendants like Mr. Bennett often "just don't think they'll get caught."

"You and others like you play a truly high-stakes poker game," the judge said.

The judge didn't impose a fine and said restitution will be discussed at a later date.