WorldCom Ex-CEO Wins Delay of Lawsuits

Former WorldCom Inc. Chief Executive Bernard J. Ebbers won’t face lawsuits by bondholders, investors and employees until after his trial on criminal fraud charges, a federal judge ruled.

U.S. District Judge Denise Cote granted Ebbers’ request to delay the suits. She said Ebbers could not fully defend himself in civil securities fraud litigation because his statements might be used against him in the criminal case.

Ebbers, 62, is accused of masterminding an $11-billion accounting fraud that led to the collapse of WorldCom, now known as MCI Inc. His federal trial is set for Nov. 9.