Coca-Cola Secretary Joya Williams Receives 8 Years For Trying to Sell Trade Secrets to Pepsi

The Associated Press reported today that Joya Williams, age 42, was sentenced to 8 years by a federal judge for conspiring to steal trade secrets. U.S. District Court Judge J. Owen Forrester ignored Williams mercy pleas as he sentenced her Wednesday.

Judge Forrester handed down a longer sentence than was requested by the prosecution. His reason for this, quoted by the Associated Press, was that "this is the kind of offense that cannot be tolerated in our society."

Williams had been facing up to 10 years for her part in the conspiracy. She was trying to sell Coke trade secrets to the rival soft drink company, Pepsi, for $1.5 million.

As reported earlier on Associated Content by Ayanna Guyhto, Joya Williams had been found guilty of conspiracy back in February.

According to the Associated Press, federal judges are not bound by sentencing guidelines. In this case the guidelines set forth a sentence of 63 to 78 months. A co-defendant, in the case, Ibrahim Dimson received a sentence of 5 years, as reported by the Associated Press.

During her trial, Williams had said that she committed no crime. However, during sentencing she was quoted by the Associated Press as saying,"Your honor, I have expanded my consciousness through this devastating experience." The Associated Press went on quoting her. "This has been a very defining moment in my life. I have become infamous when I never wanted to become famous."

She added, "I am sorry to Coke and I'm sorry to my boss and to you and to my family as well."

Williams' tearful apology was ignored by Judge Forrester. The judge had warned her that he was stepping outside the guidelines of sentencing.

Byung J. Pak, Assistant U.S. Attorney, informed Judge Forrester that he did not feel Williams deserved leniency, according to the Associated Press.

The Associated Press quoted him as saying, "Choices have consequences and she made those choices," Pak said. "She chose to go to trial and she lied on the stand."

It was also reported that Williams had two other criminal convictions, even though Williams' attorneys claimed she had no past criminal record, according to the Associated Press.

Ironically, it was Pepsi that put an end to the conspiracy. According to the Associated Press, Pepsi contacted Coca Cola when they received a letter stating the trade secrets were for sale to the highest bidder.

Source: Harry R Webber Business writer, Associated Press: Ex-coke secretary sentenced to 8 years