-- Ex-Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling is sentenced to 24 years jail for role in one of biggest corporate scandals in U.S., AP reports.

Wonder where Lay is?

Skilling gets 24 years, 4 months for role in Enron scandal

(CNN) -- Former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling was sentenced Monday to 24 years and four months in prison for his role in one of the biggest corporate scandals in U.S. history, a court official said.

Skilling, who was convicted May 25 on 19 counts of fraud, insider trading and conspiracy, had faced a maximum of 30 years behind bars and hefty financial penalties.

Prior to the announcement, legal observers had predicted presiding Judge Sim Lake would come down hard on the former Wall Street star. "I expect the judge will throw the book at Skilling," said Jacob Zamansky, principal of Zamansky & Associates, a securities law firm that represents shareholders. "It's unlikely the judge will show any leniency because Skilling fought vigorously and is still proclaiming his innocence with no remorse."

In fact, motions to try to overturn Skilling's conviction were filed last week. And appeals are expected to be filed after the sentencing. (Posted 4:29 p.m.)

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