New York Times – The former head of Idaho hedge-fund company, Wood River Capital Management, pleaded not guilty yesterday to securities fraud and other charges after investors lost at least $88million when two of its funds collapsed in 2005.
John H. Whittier, Wood River’s majority shareholder and principal executive, entered his plea through his lawyer at a hearing in federal court in Manhattan before Federal District Judge Jed S, Rakoff.
A lawyer for Mr. Whittier declined to comment.
Last week, Mr. Whittier was charged with securities fraud and three counts of failing to disclose a beneficial interest in publicly traded securities above certain thresholds.
The Securities and Exchange Commission initially brought civil charges against Mr. Whittier and Wood River in October 2005.
