Former Apple manager pleads guilty in kickback scheme

Paul Devine, a former global supply manager with Apple, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a scheme that involved Devine receiving kickbacks from Asian suppliers in exchange for confidential information. Reuters reports that Devine pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering in a San Jose federal court, and also agreed to give up around $2.28 million in money and property. “Mr. Devine is a good man who made a mistake, and now he’s trying to make amends,” said his attorney Raphael Goldman. Devine faces a maximum prison term of 20 years on the wire fraud and money laundering counts, but could receive far less time; sentencing is scheduled for June 6.