Madoff auditor tells NY judge he’s pleading guilty

Madoff auditor says he’s pleading guilty

NEW YORK — Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff’s (MAY’-dawfs) longtime auditor has entered a guilty plea in a federal court in Manhattan.

David Friehling (FREE’-ling) entered a plea Tuesday. The judge was questioning him before deciding whether to accept it.

Prosecutors said previously that they expected Friehling to plead guilty to securities fraud and other charges that are punishable by up to 108 years in prison. However, substantial cooperation can result in leniency.

Prosecutors said Friehling would have known that Madoff was carrying out history’s biggest Ponzi scheme — because he kept the books.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff’s (MAY’-dawfs) longtime auditor is expected to plead guilty to securities fraud and other charges that could leave him behind bars for years.

Prosecutors say David Friehling (FREE’-ling) would have known that Madoff was carrying out history’s greatest Ponzi scheme — because he kept the books.

Friehling was scheduled for a Manhattan federal court appearance on Tuesday.

Prosecutors have said they expect Friehling to plead guilty to charges that are punishable by up to 108 years in prison. However, substantial cooperation can result in leniency.