Michael Briggs / Chicago Sun-Times 24aug95
WASHINGTON-Archer Daniels Midland Co. now says one of its former executives who became an FBI informant for an investigation into pricefixing stole at least $9 million from the grain processing giant.
The company already had accused Mark E. Whitacre on Aug. 7 of stealing at least $2.5 million from ADM while he was cooperating with the FBI in an investigation of possible price-fixing by international food processors.
Whitacre's only public response was a letter to the Wall Street Journal in which he alluded to overseas accounts and urged reporters to "dig deep. It's there! They give it; then use it against vou when vou are their enemy."
The company declined to comment on a report Saturday by the Washington Post that company records regarding Whitacre had been subpoenaed from ADM attorney Aubrev M. Daniel III and his Washington law firm, Williams & Connolly.
The attorney reportedly had provided new information to the Justice Department about the extent of Whitacre's financial dealings.
Citing "company officials" at ADM, the Journal on Monday said ADM officials now contend Whitacre used a bogus contract with a Swedish agriculture company to million into a Swiss account.
Based on the company's earlier allegations, Whitacre became the subject of criminal investigation. He also reportedly tried to kill himself.
James R. Epstein, the Chicago attorney who represents Whitacre, has declin comment on the company charges against his client.
