Clay Capital Chief Admits Insider Trading

Hedge fund manager James Turner has pleaded guilty to running an insider-trading scheme.

The former Clay Capital Management chief investment officer admitted he made more than $2.5 million trading shares of three companies in Newark, N.J., federal court yesterday. Turner received confidential tips about the companies from his brother-in-law and college friend, who worked at two of the companies.

Turner faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 16.

"Today's guilty plea closes the door on an insider-trading scam in which three people used their access to privileged information to manipulate trades and ensure their own success at the expense of other stockholders," Paul Fishman, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, said.

Turner's co-conspirators, Scott Vollmar and Scott Robarge, have already pleaded guilty.