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News Release

OFHEO Issues Consent Orders Regarding Former Fannie Mae Executives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/18/2008

Washington, DC – OFHEO Director James B. Lockhart today announced the issuance of three Consent Orders dealing with former Fannie Mae Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Franklin D. Raines, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) J. Timothy Howard and former Controller Leanne Spencer. The orders require certain actions by the individuals and settles OFHEO’s administrative enforcement actions against them for events related to the accounting and internal control problems at Fannie Mae uncovered by OFHEO and detailed in two Special Examination Reports.

The three respondents consented to the Orders in settlement of an OFHEO administrative Notice of Charges filed against them on December 18, 2006. The administrative action alleged that the respondents, among other charges, undertook inappropriate earnings management, failed to ensure that adequate internal controls were put in place, released misleading financial reports and permitted the accounting function to operate without adequate resources. The charges concluded that such allegations represented misconduct and unsafe and unsound practices that led to losses suffered by Fannie Mae.

“OFHEO’s mission is to ensure that the Enterprises operate in a safe and sound manner,” said Lockhart. “That cannot occur without corporate management providing prudent and responsible leadership and setting the appropriate ethical and overall ‘tone at the top’. The Consent Orders announced today represent a satisfactory conclusion to the enforcement actions against these individuals. OFHEO continues to work with the current leadership of the Enterprises to ensure they meet the highest standards for corporate governance and corporate integrity,” Lockhart said.

The Notice of Charges sought an order to cease and desist, civil money penalties, disgorgement, reimbursement and other relief. In satisfaction of the Notice of Charges, the Consent Orders place several requirements upon the parties as follows:

From Mr. Raines, a total of $24.7 million comprised of:

The proceeds from the sale of Fannie Mae stock, valued at $1.8 million to be donated to programs and initiatives to assist homeowners threatened with the loss of their homes or related initiatives to assist homeownership, as approved by OFHEO. Payment of $2 million to the United States Government. Surrender and relinquishment of claims related to stock options with a value of $15.6 million when they were issued. Other benefits lost in association with the above estimated at $5.3 million.

From Mr. Howard, a total of $6.4 million comprised of: 

The proceeds from the sale of Fannie Mae stock, valued at $200,000, to be donated to programs and initiatives to assist home owners threatened with the loss of their homes or related initiatives to assist homeownership, as approved by OFHEO.

Payment of $750,000 to the United States Government.

Surrender and relinquishment of claims related to stock options with a value of $5.2 million when they were issued.

Other benefits lost in association of the above estimated at $240,000.

From Ms. Spencer, a total of $275,000 comprised of:

Waiving any claims for compensation against Fannie Mae.

Payment of $275,000 to the United States Government.

Additionally, all three orders provide that the individual will not work at Fannie Mae and will not receive compensation from Fannie Mae or a firm that does business with Fannie Mae (unless compensation at such a firm is not tied to its business relationship with Fannie Mae).

The Consent Orders conclude OFHEO’s administrative enforcement proceedings against Mr. Raines, Mr. Howard and Ms. Spencer. The administrative action has been under the direction of United States Administrative Law Judge William B. Moran.

OFHEO previously entered into a Consent Order with Fannie Mae that included remediation of major internal controls, restructuring the company’s organization, extensive changes in accounting policies and corporate governance and a $400 million civil money penalty.

Three Stipulation and Consent Orders follow:

Mr. Raines

Mr. Howard

Ms. Spencer

Attachments:

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OFHEO's mission is to promote housing and a strong national housing finance system by ensuring the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Contacts:

Corinne Russell (202) 414-6921 / Stefanie Mullin (202) 414-6376​

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