The former Head of Nissan Greg Kelly was found guilty of helping Carlos Gon allegedly hide more than $ 80 million in deferred compensation.
The 65-year-old American has faced criminal prosecution in Japan more than three years after he was arrested during a business trip to the country in November 2018. A court of three judges found him guilty of violating financial disclosure laws against Gon. compensation for one of the eight years under review from 2010 to 2018.
Kelly was acquitted on most other charges and was sentenced to six months with a suspended sentence by Chief Justice Candy Simotsu, Auto news reports. Shitmotsu dismissed most of the charges against Kelly, noting that a key witness linking him to the alleged deferred compensation was unreliable as they entered into a plea deal with the prosecutor to avoid prosecution.
Shimotsu also fined Nissan 200 million yen ($ 1.73 million) for filing falsified securities reports that did not take into account Gona’s full compensation.
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Kelly said he was shocked by the court’s decision and would appeal, although a suspended sentence would allow him to return to the United States.
“I have always worked with the best interests of Nissan in mind, and I have never been involved in any illegal activities,” he said. “I’m innocent on all counts.”
Prosecutors are also expected to appeal the sentencing decision as they sought a two-year prison sentence for Kelly.
“We are pleased that the trial is over and Mr. and Mrs. Kelly can return home,” US Ambassador to Japan Ram Emanuel said in a statement. “Although it has been a long three years for the Kelly family, this section has come to an end. He and Dee can start their next chapter in Tennessee. “
Carlos Gon responded to the news by saying Kelly was “clearly an innocent man” and said he was praying “he will be able to overcome this enormous emotional, psychological and financial impact caused to him by the hostage justice system in Japan.”
Former Nissan CEO Greg Kelly pleaded guilty in Japan and received a six-month reprieve
Source link Former Nissan CEO Greg Kelly pleaded guilty in Japan and received a six-month reprieve