A Texas oilman at the center of a scheme that paid millions of dollars in secret kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime pleaded guilty Friday to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to AP. David Chalmers could have faced more than 60 years in prison if convicted on all charges. Under a plea deal, prosecutors have said they will recommend a sentence of 37 to 46 months. Chalmers said a barely audible «guilty» when asked to enter his plea by U.S. District Judge Denny Chin. He will be sentenced on Nov. 19. Chalmers also agreed to pay $9 million (¤6.7 million) in restitution in the plea agreement signed Friday.
