Judge Gives Enron Firm Deadlines to Produce Subpoenaed Documents

March 28, 2002
02-031
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(916) 324-5500

(SAN FRANCISCO) – A San Francisco Superior Court judge today ordered Enron to produce documents sought by the Attorney General by specific deadlines or face sanctions.

"While we pressed for a contempt finding today, the judge decided to keep the hammer of a contempt ruling over the head of Enron," Attorney General Bill Lockyer said. "The court is focusing on the same goal we have – which is to get Enron to deliver the documents subpoenaed for our energy investigation."

Under the firm deadlines set by the court, Enron must deliver subpoenaed documents within three weeks from its California offices, six weeks from its Houston and Portland offices and within 90 days or by June 26 for the electronic data being sought. The Attorney General had subpoenaed Enron for the state's investigation into potential unfair and illegal business practices by power generators and other companies.

Judge A. James Robertson noted that the Attorney General could renew his request for a contempt ruling if Enron fails to comply with any of the deadlines.

The Attorney General last year warned Enron against the destruction of subpoenaed materials and reinforced protection of the documents through a court order issued in January.