Former Adelphia Executives Report to Federal Prison

By Aaron Poehler

Published on August 14, 2007

The two men had remained free on a court order since their conviction, but in June of this year U.S. District Judge Leonard Sand rescinded the order and set an August 13 deadline for the two to begin their sentences.

John and Timothy Rigas were convicted following a five-month trial in 2004 during which prosecutors claimed the Rigases illegally concealed $2.3 billion in Adelphia debt and lied to investors about the company's financial state while stealing over $100 million in company funds for their personal use. John Rigas received a 15-year sentence while Timothy Rigas, the company's former chief financial officer, was given a 20-year sentence for his role in the scheme, which eventually led to the collapse of the company.

The elder Rigas, 85, has reportedly suffered health problems and has referred to his punishment as a death sentence. Both John and Timothy Rigas continue to maintain their innocence, portraying themselves as victims of political pressure, while son Michael Rigas pleaded guilty to making a false entry in a company record and subsequently received a 10-month home confinement sentence for his role in the case.

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