Lucent Technologies, Inc., et al.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Litigation Release No. 21639 / September 1, 2010

Accounting and Auditing Release No. 3179 / September 1, 2010

SEC v. Lucent Technologies, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 04-2315 (WHW) (D. N.J.)

SEC SETTLES ACCOUNTING FRAUD CHARGES AGAINST FORMER SENIOR LUCENT SALES EXECUTIVE

On August 17, 2010, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey entered final judgment against Nina Aversano, former President of North America Service Provider Networks and former corporate officer of Lucent Technologies Inc. (Lucent), arising out her role in an accounting fraud action that the Commission previously filed against Lucent and ten individuals. Aversano was the remaining defendant in this action. The Commission alleged that Aversano entered into side agreements with certain of Lucent's distributors that granted the distributors rights and privileges beyond those contained in their respective distribution agreements. Those side agreements made it improper for Lucent to recognize revenue, and caused Lucent to materially overstate its pre-tax income for fiscal year 2000.

Without admitting or denying the allegations in the Commission's Amended Complaint, Aversano consented to the entry of the order, which permanently enjoins her from aiding and abetting violations of the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws, and from violating, or aiding and abetting the violation of, the books and records, internal controls, and reporting provisions of the federal securities laws. Specifically, Aversano is enjoined from aiding and abetting violations of Sections 10(b), 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) and Exchange Act Rules 10b-5, 12b-20, 13a-11 and 13a-13, and from directly violating Section 13(b)(5) of the Exchange Act and Exchange Act Rules 13b2-1 and 13b2-2. In addition, Aversano was ordered to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $100,000 and to: (1) not seek or become an officer or director of any public company for one year following the date of entry of the Final Judgment; (2) resign immediately from the audit committee of New Jersey Resources Corporation; and (3) discontinue her relationship with the Board of Directors of New Jersey Resources at the earlier of [a] termination by the company, or [b] the expiration of her current term in January 2011.

For further information, see Litigation Release Nos. 21551 (June 9, 2010), 19502 (December 20, 2005), 19437 (October 20, 2005), and 18715 (May 17, 2004).