NEW YORK (CNN) - Former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling could be indicted by federal prosecutors as early as Thursday, according to sources close to the case.
One source cautioned that the timing was not locked down and could change at any time. It is not clear what specific charges will be brought against him.
Bruce Hiler, a Washington, D.C.-based lawyer for Mr. Skilling, has repeatedly denied his client did anything wrong. Hiler says Skilling relied on his subordinates, lawyers and accountants.
Skilling, unlike other top Enron officials, did not invoke his Fifth Amendment rights when questioned by Congress in early 2002. Skilling, 50, has blamed Enron's death spiral on what he has called a classic "run on the bank."
Skilling served as President and COO of Enron from late 1996 to early 2001. He was then appointed CEO, but resigned six months later, citing personal reasons.
Enron eventually filed for bankruptcy.
Skilling would be the highest-ranking former Enron official charged in the government's two-year investigation.
The indictment would come on the heels of a plea agreement with former Enron CFO Andrew Fastow. Fastow agreed to serve 10 years in prison and is cooperating with the Enron Task Force.
The only person higher up the Enron food chain than Skilling is former chairman and longtime CEO Kenneth Lay. Lay's attorney could not be reached for comment, but he has previously denied any wrongdoing by Lay.
--from CNNfn's Jen Rogers
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