Enron's Victims React to Verdict With Shouts of 'Yes'

HOUSTON, May 25, 2006 — -- Many former Enron employees said they've waited more than four years for the moment when Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling would be found guilty of fraud and conspiracy in the spectacular collapse of the oil trading company.

"Just hearing that they found them guilty kind of renewed my sense of fairness in the justice system," said Deborah DeForge, a former Enron employee.

When Enron went bankrupt on Dec. 2, 2001, Deforge lost $100,000 dollars in savings, as well as her health care and pension. Her friend and co-worker Soni Wilson was hit even harder.

"I lost almost $800,000 dollars in my 401K and options," Wilson said.

Ironically, Wilson now works in the former Enron building. It currently houses the trading floor of Chevron, and all work inside stopped today the moment the verdict was announced.

"A lot of the employees in the Chevron building stood up and said 'Yes!'" Wilson said. "You know, it was nice to hear."

Wilson is grateful she has a new job but fears she and her family will bear a financial burden for the near future.

"I have a son and I have a new daughter, and right now we're so busy rebuilding our retirement that I worry about them being able to go to college," she said.

Skilling and Lay were once part of the fabric of Houston, with Lay often throwing out the first pitch for the Astros baseball team at the park known at the time as Enron Field. The ballpark was renamed Astros Field in February 2002, and is now called Minute Maid Park. For many in Houston, it's time to put the name Enron behind them.

"The people have long awaited this decision," Houston resident Gloria Bingham said. "People can move on now."