30.03.2015 Views

Declaration Of Helen J. Hodges In Support Of Lead Counsel's ...

Declaration Of Helen J. Hodges In Support Of Lead Counsel's ...

Declaration Of Helen J. Hodges In Support Of Lead Counsel's ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

depositions because discovery was premature, and arguing the Court did not have the authority to<br />

compel appearance by the witnesses.<br />

58. During a March 12, 2002 telephonic hearing <strong>Lead</strong> Counsel, along with counsel for<br />

other plaintiffs, successfully persuaded the Court to compel the appearance of the witnesses for<br />

deposition. Certain Andersen defendants immediately appealed the district court’s order to the Fifth<br />

Circuit Court of Appeals under the All Writs Act, arguing service was improper and the district court<br />

did not have the authority to compel the Andersen witnesses to sit for oral examination. <strong>Lead</strong><br />

Plaintiff opposed, arguing the Andersen witnesses were properly served and the court had the<br />

authority to compel the sworn testimony.<br />

59. On March 15, 2002 the Fifth Circuit ruled the district court should make a factual<br />

determination whether one Andersen witness, Nancy Temple, had been served and made a party to<br />

the action. On March 18, 2002 <strong>Lead</strong> Counsel served an ex parte motion and memorandum proving<br />

Temple was a party.<br />

60. The District Court held another telephonic hearing on March 18, 2002, at which time<br />

Temple was ordered to appear for deposition on March 22, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. in Houston, Texas.<br />

<strong>Lead</strong> Counsel was successful in its efforts to secure sworn testimony concerning the Andersen<br />

document destruction. Ms. Temple was deposed, along with other witnesses, securing important<br />

evidence spoliation testimony while recollections were fresh.<br />

4. Expedited Discovery Concerning Document Destruction at<br />

Enron<br />

61. At a January 22, 2002 hearing concerning potential document destruction at<br />

Andersen, <strong>Lead</strong> Counsel also brought forth evidence of document destruction at Enron’s corporate<br />

headquarters. At the hearing, Enron’s counsel admitted some shredded material had been found, but<br />

steps had been taken to preserve evidence. National media organizations would later report<br />

- 31 -

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!