HOUSTON (AP) — A former Texas-based executive has been found not guilty of federal charges that he arranged bribes to a state-owned utility in Mexico.
John O'Shea was acquitted Tuesday in Houston by a judge's order, but other charges such as money laundering and conspiracy are pending.
O'Shea was the general manager of a Sugar Land-based unit of the Swiss company ABB Ltd. Prosecutors say O'Shea arranged to have bribes paid to a Mexican state-owned utility company in order to win contracts.
But Judge Lynn Hughes declared O'Shea not guilty on 12 charges brought under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act before the case could go to a jury.
ABB Ltd. has admitted to paying bribes and was hit with a $17 million criminal fine.
A spokesman for prosecutors did not return a message.