Enron CEO Skilling Could Be Released From Prison Early

Skilling's mug shot.

Skilling’s mug shot.

Former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling was found guilty in 2006 on charges of fraud, insider trading, and conspiracy related to the energy company’s collapse and was sentenced to 24 years in prison, but a new report says Skilling could see the outside world sooner than expected.

CNBC reports that Skilling’s attorneys have worked out a deal with the Justice Dept. that would shorten the jailbird’s sentence. In 2009, a federal appeals panel ruled that the original 24-year sentence was too harsh, but there has yet to be a re-sentencing.

However, a notice issued by the DOJ to Skilling’s victims seems to indicate that an arrangement is on the table that would reduce the notorious executive’s sentence, though it does not give details on when he would be released.

“The Department of Justice is considering entering into a sentencing agreement with the defendant in this matter,” reads the notice. “Such a sentencing agreement could restrict the parties and the Court from recommending, arguing for, or imposing certain sentences or conditions of confinement. It could also restrict the parties from challenging certain issues on appeal, including the sentence ultimately imposed by the Court at a future sentencing hearing.”

According to CNBC, a deal would allow Skilling to get out of jail while saving the DOJ the time, money, and effort required to continue fighting his conviction.

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