Key Enron figures seek deal
Ex-Andersen auditor Duncan, ex-Enron Treasurer Glisan reportedly seek immunity.
February 27, 2002: 8:33 a.m. ET
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NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Two key executives in the Enron Corp. collapse offered to cooperate with investigators in order to avoid possible criminal charges, according to a published report Wednesday.
The Wall Street Journal, quoting unnamed attorneys familiar with the investigation, reported that David Duncan, the former Arthur Andersen partner who was Enron's chief auditor, and former Enron Treasurer Ben Glisan are among potential witnesses being interviewed by Justice Department and other agencies' investigators.
There have been no agreements yet that would exempt the two from prosecution, though, and other witnesses also are being considered, according to the reports.
The report said Duncan held extensive talks in January with the Justice Department, FBI and Securities and Exchange Commission, the paper reported, under terms of a limited "use immunity" agreement, allowing him to freely answer questions without giving evidence that can be used against him.
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Former Arthur Andersen partner David Duncan reportedly is offering to testify about the Enron collapse in an effort to avoid prosecution. | |
The paper quoted Duncan's attorney as saying he was cooperating with investigators. But Duncan refused to answer a congressional committee's questions when called to testify in January because he had not been granted immunity.
Other Andersen executives at the hearing blamed Duncan for the shredding of Enron documents and for approval of questionable accounting practices at the now bankrupt energy trader.
The Journal said that investigators may be reluctant to accept Glisan's offer to cooperate because he was deeply involved and profited from the many partnerships used to inflate Enron's earnings and hide its debt, according to a report from Enron board released last month.
The paper said Glisan's attorney did not return phone calls and that Glisan had no comment when contacted. 
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