U.S. Magistrate Frances Stacy told ex-Enron CEO Jeff Skilling this afternoon that he must quit drinking alcohol, get both alcohol and mental health treatment, be subject to a curfew and get a job or do volunteer work in order to remain free pending his criminal trial in connection with the collapse of Enron. Judge Stacy, handling the matter for U.S. District Judge Sim Lake, added those restrictions to Skilling’s $5 million bond because of a bizarre escapade in New York City last month that landed Skilling in the hospital for a night. Judge Stacy declined to add $2 million to his $5 million as prosecutors requested, which was the absolute right decision.
Prosecutors have said Skilling violated his bond by being seriously drunk, trying to lift a woman’s blouse in search of an FBI wiretap, and attempting to steal a car’s license plate. Defense attorneys contended the government has gotten its facts wrong about the incident and Skilling, though he had been drinking, was a victim.
Earlier posts on Skilling’s New York adventure can be reviewed here.