Madoff auditor expected to plead guilty in NYC

Bernard Madoff's accountant David Friehling (C) leaves federal court March 18, 2009 in New York City. Friehling was arrested and charged with aiding in securities fraud in connection with the $64 billion ponzi scheme that affected 4,800 investors. (Mario Tama, Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP) — Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff's 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 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.

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