Ex Coke official jailed over conspiracy to steal trade secrets
A former Coca-Cola secretary convicted of conspiring to steal trade secrets from the world’s largest beverage maker was today jailed for eight years.
Joya Williams (aged 42), had faced up to 10 years in prison on the single conspiracy charge in a failed scheme to sell the materials to rival Pepsi for at least £750,000.
She was convicted on February 2 following a jury trial in US District Court in Atlanta, where Coca-Cola is based.
“This is the kind of offence that cannot be tolerated in our society,” US District Judge Owen Forrester said in imposing sentence.
A co-defendant, Ibrahim Dimson, was sentenced to five years in prison.
Forrester’s sentence for Williams was higher than the 63 months to 78 months recommended by federal prosecutors and contained in sentencing guidelines for the judge to consider.
He said the seriousness of the crime required a departure from the guidelines, which federal judges are not bound by.
Forrester also largely ignored a tearful apology by Williams, which was the first time she acknowledged what she did.
“I am sorry to Coke and I’m sorry to my boss and to you and to my family as well,” she said.
