Andrew Fastow, the ex-Enron Corp. CFO who allegedly manipulated the company’s books that eventually led to bankruptcy, will be tried separately beginning April 20, 2004 under an order by Houston-based U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt.

Fastow, who has remained free on $5 million bond, has pleaded not guilty to 109 counts of insider trading, filing false tax forms, conspiracy to falsify books and records, fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice (see Daily GPI, May 20).

Co-defendants Dan Boyle, former Enron finance executive, and Ben Glisan Jr. a former Enron treasurer, had been charged with Fastow in the superseding indictment in May. Boyle’s trial is now set for Aug. 17, 2004, while Glisan’s is scheduled for July 20, 2004. However, Glisan is rumored to be negotiating a plea bargain with federal investigators, but prosecutors had no comment (see Daily GPI, Sept. 2).

Hoyt ruled that the cases needed to be tried separately because Fastow has more charges than the others. The court date next April would end Fastow’s request that his trial be set before that of his wife, Leah Fastow. Leah, who also once worked for Enron, faces trial on Feb. 10, 2004 on six charges of filing false income tax returns and for conspiring in her husband’s schemes.

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