Ms. Vinson and her husband tried to think of a way out of their predicament. Unable to afford the legal bill that would result from a lengthy trial, Ms. Vinson decided to negotiate a guilty plea as well. They hoped to cut a deal that wouldn't include a prison sentence.

On Oct. 10, the U.S. attorney's office announced that Ms. Vinson and Mr. Normand had pleaded guilty to two criminal counts of conspiracy and securities fraud, charges that carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

At a court hearing, Ms. Vinson answered U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Peck's questions so meekly that he asked her to speak up. Mr. Hollomon held a microphone close to her as she read a statement admitting that she had started making the illegal entries in October 2000. "I was very concerned about the order to make the adjustment," she said. Ms. Vinson was released on a bond secured by $25,000 of equity in her home. She is now working as an accountant for a large Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise.

Her sentencing is scheduled for February.

Postscript: As of October 1, Ms. Vinson is cooperating with federal prosecutors and has not yet been sentenced. Ms. Vinson, as well as Mr. Ebbers, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Myers, Mr. Yates, and Mr. Normand, were recently charged in a criminal complaint by Oklahoma's attorney general.

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