CNBC Interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin

by Kenneth Flaska | Apr 29, 2015 | Blog, Kenneth Flaska

April 29, 2015

I did an interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin last fall. He wrote the Blockbuster Book "Too Big to Fail" which detailed the financial crisis of 2008. He was on assignment for CNBC at the time working on the show that will air called White Collar Convicts. I did the interview so I could explain how I reached the point of committing my crime and to publicly apologize for what I had done. Now, many months later, the interview is set to air on CNBC on Wednesday evening. At the time I did the interview, I thought it was a good idea. Now, I am not so sure. My family simply wishes to escape the long, dark shadow of my misdeeds. For my family, the airing of the interview simply reopens a wound that had just begun to close. I fear the edited interview will simply further disparage me and my actions. (assuming that is possible). I will not see the interview because it is after 10:00 P.M. Count. I hope my decision to be open about my crime does not cause any further harm to me or, especially, my family.

Ken Flaska

Ken Flaska, CNBC, Andrew Ross Sorkin, White Collar Convicts

6 Comments

Linda JorgensonApr 30, 2015
I watched the show and it did not shed a bad light on you at all. My son is in camp also. Been there for almost 8 months now so we as a family are on the same journey. Sending you & your family positive thoughts & prayers. Stay strong & safe!
- Justin PapernyMay 1, 2015
  That is awesome you saw it Linda. Thanks for checking it out. I think Ken's piece was authentic and honest. Looking forward to connecting again soon.
Gary BaunMay 1, 2015
Ken,
I submitted a letter to the court on your behalf and was supportive. I have also followed your blog and examined your side bar bio. I feel compelled to now speak out. I seriously doubt your former parners would share your opinion about developing a succeseful practice. It was built on fraud. As for the "financial crisis" you describe as the precipitating cause of your bad decisions; it is deceitful. I was a witness to your greed, insecurity, and the outrageously expensive lifestyle you financed by stealing frrom your clients and partners; including multiple expensive and extravagant sports cars, sailing and power yachts, homes and home renovations, jewelry, and clothing. All of this was achieved through fraud, deceit, and theft. I will be watching with interest of any future book deals.
- Justin PapernyMay 1, 2015
  Hi Gary, Justin Paperny here. Thanks for your comments. I will forward them to Ken. For clarity, being supportive would be applauding Ken for the measurable steps he is taking to prepare for a better life upon release. I always chuckle when I read these types of comments. Rather than applauding him for his courage and for documenting the journey so others can benefit from his admitted poor decisions, you offer doubts and make blanket, generalized statements that any success he had was achieved through greed. You would be wrong, and any real supporter would know that. More than 50 families, defendants and people trapped in struggle have reached out in some way to thank Ken for sharing his story and for providing a glimpse into prison. He is a role model for many. It is time, I think, for you to look within before casting stones at others. More good things to come for Ken. Keep up...
RyanMay 3, 2015
Ken
I did not think the show put you in a bad light.
I do understand the issues that you are dealing with and while I would love to give you guidance, I can't because in the end, you know your family. I will only say that in my situation, I have given final approval to my wife and daughter with regards to things like this because in the end, they are the ones that are suffering more than I am with my pending situation.