Responding to questions about potential federal securities fraud charges against its CEO, Next, Inc. issued a release Thursday that no one associated with the alleged charges had been served with an “official copy of the complaint”.
The company was reacting to questions concerning Dan F. Cooke, CEO, and John D. Gioioso, a financial consultant to the company, being named in a federal criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Neither the Company, nor either Mr. Cooke or Mr. Gioioso have been served with an official copy of the complaint, said Mr. Charles Thompson, Next, Inc.'s CFO.
“The Company does not believe that it or anyone associated with Next, Inc. has done anything wrong. Messrs. Cooke and Gioioso have both categorically denied the allegations made against them and intend to defend themselves vigorously,” stated Thompson.
“The Company is continuing its normal business practices and reaffirms that its fundamental plan is continuing to be executed unchanged from its earlier announcements,” said Thompson.
