Economics, the SEC and Amnesia
According to the SEC website, a complaint has been launched against an economics professor and several funds he controlled. In "SEC v. Albert E. Parish, Jr., Parish Economics LLC and Summerville Hard Assets LLC, Civil Action No. 2:07-cv-00919-DCN" (D. S. C., April 5, 2007), the SEC charges fraud.
Shortly after the filing, in a somewhat sad turn of events, news outlets report a claim of amnesia. See "Fund Manager Offers Memorable Response to SEC's Fraud Charges" by Suzanne M. Schafer (Associated Press), April 7, 2007. Click here to read the article (one of many).
What's ironic is that the professor, apparently oft-cited as an economic forecasting expert, was quoted in May 2006 as happy with the Enron verdict. "It certainly provides a boost of faith." Click here to read the text of "Local businessman, economists pleased by Enron verdict," The Sun News, May 26, 2006.
Everyone should have their proper day in court but it does seem odd that $134 million is allegedly missing and a "smart" man suffers forgetfulness.
Nevertheless, in the spirit of lessons learned, plan sponsors can be reminded (for that matter, all investors should pay heed) that background checks of key players is desirable, nay essential.
