Kasowitz, Benson, Torres and Friedman LLP., Made the Following Statement Today:

NEW YORK, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent news items have reported, following a news release by a law firm, Morgan & Finnegan, that Jeremy Pitcock left Kasowitz, Benson, Torres and Friedman LLP., to join that firm. Some news items incorrectly reported that Mr. Pitcock had 'defected' or 'jumped ship.'

The fact is that Mr. Pitcock was terminated for cause by our firm in December, 2007, because of extremely inappropriate personal conduct. We were not looking to publicize this incident, but because of those incorrect news items, we feel compelled to set the record straight.