SEC Settles Insider Trading Charges Involving U.S. Foodservice

The SEC settled insider trading charges against John Turchetta of Naples, Florida. The complaint alleges that Turchetta purchased securities of U.S. Foodservice (USF) after he acquired material, nonpublic information concerning a proposed tender offer by Royal Ahold (Koninklijke Ahold N.V.) for the outstanding shares of USF common stock. Turchetta received the inside information from a USF vendor, who had been tipped by a senior officer of the company.

Turchetta has agreed to settle the Commission's action, without admitting or denying the allegations in the complaint. The final judgment orders Turchetta to pay disgorgement of $553,000 plus prejudgment interest thereon in the amount of $162,069, as well as a civil penalty of $553,000, for a total of $1,268,069. The settlement is subject to approval by the Court.