Computer programmers accused of helping Bernard Madoff conceal Ponzi scheme are indicted in NY

Computer programmers indicted in NY Madoff fraud

NEW YORK — Two former employees accused of helping fraudulent Wall Street financier Bernard Madoff (MAY’-dawf) program an old computer to generate false records have been indicted.

Wednesday’s indictment accuses computer programmers Jerome O’Hara and George Perez of conspiracy, falsifying records of a broker dealer and falsifying records of an investment adviser.

The men originally were charged in a criminal complaint before the case was presented to a federal grand jury, which returned the indictment.

O’Hara is from Malverne, N.Y. Perez is from East Brunswick, N.J. Each remains free on $1 million bail. Defense lawyers say the men will plead not guilty.

The 71-year-old Madoff is serving a 150-year sentence after admitting his multi-decade Ponzi scheme cost thousands of investors billions of dollars.