CNBC reports that discussions are underway between the U.S. Department of Justice and Jeffrey Skilling's attorneys regarding an early release for the 59-year-old former Enron CEO.
Skilling, who maintained his innocence throughout the 2001 scandal and after his 2006 conviction of conspiracy, fraud, and insider trading, has served six years of his 24-year sentence.
From CNBC:
A federal appeals panel ruled in 2009 that the original sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Sim Lake was too harsh, but a re-sentencing for the 59-year-old Skilling has repeatedly been delayed, first as the appeals process played out, and then as the negotiations for a deal progressed.
Those talks had been a closely guarded secret, but Thursday the Justice Department quietly issued a notice to victims required under federal law:
"The Department of Justice is considering entering into a sentencing agreement with the defendant in this matter," the notice reads ...
In 2006, Enron Chairman Kenneth Lay, who was found guilty of conspiracy, fraud, and false statements, died of a heart attack. In 2011, Skilling's son died of an overdose.