Danielle Chiesi, a former beauty queen who became a hedge fund trader, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for her role in a multi-million-dollar insider trading scheme. Chiesi, who once said insider trading was "like an orgasm," will also have to serve two years of supervised release and 250 hours of community service, plus pay a $25,000 fine. It was under the recommended 37-to-47-month sentence from prosecutors, so maybe that's why she was smiling outside court. more ›

One of the many involved a massive insider trading ring was sentenced yesterday, and U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero said of hedge fund co-founder Mark Kurland, "He had a choice as a leader of the financial industry. He could have led by example. Instead, he chose to follow. He became a joiner, surrendering to the spree of the financial market's virtual mob mentality that nearly brought down this country's financial industry in the quest for ever bigger and faster gains." Kurland pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud and will serve two years and three months, plus must forfeit $900,000 he made; he said he was heartbroken and his actions "destroyed my reputation and everything I have worked hard for my entire life." more ›

Even though he's claiming he's innocent of insider trading charges, billionaire Raj Rajaratnam is liquidating his Galleon Group hedge fund and preparing to shut it down. In a letter sent to investors, Rajaratnam wrote, "I want to reassure investors of the liquidity of our funds and assure Galleon employees that we are seeking the best way to keep together what I believe is the best long/short equity team in the business. I want to reiterate that I am innocent of all the charges." more ›

To no one's surprise, traders at the Galleon Group have been working on their resumes and calling their lawyers, after the hedge fund's founder Raj Rajaratnam was arrested on insider trading charges last week. However, he was in the office yesterday (out on $100 million bail) and also offered a letter to employees, friends and clients: "As I am sure you understand, I am not able to respond in detail to the charges recently brought against me. But let me be clear: they are, without exception, entirely baseless. I am innocent and will vigorously defend myself and our firm." more ›