MF Global maintains its innocence

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NEW YORK, March 24 (UPI) -- A spokesman for Jon Corzine said the former New Jersey governor and head of MF Global never directed customer funds to make up for a $200 million overdraft.

Investment giant MF Global collapsed last year, declaring bankruptcy. As it did it was discovered that hundreds of millions of dollars were missing with no explanation.

Before the firm's collapse, JPMorgan & Chase informed the firm of a $200 million overdraft that needed to be covered immediately.

A memo says that a Chicago employee, Edith O'Brien, authorized the transfer, The New York Times reported Saturday.

The memo also says that transfer was done "Per JC's direct instructions," using the initials of company's chief executive officer.

However, the note from Corzine instructs employees to make the transfer, but does not stipulate customer funds be used to cover the overdraft, the Times said.

"I never gave any instructions to misuse customer money ... and I find it very hard to understand how anyone could misconstrue what I've said as a way to misuse customer money," Corzine said recently in testimony for the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The transfer's legitimacy was even discussed at the time it occurred. JPMorgan's chief risk officer, Barry Zubrow, called Corzine in October for reassurances the transferred funds complied with regulatory guidelines.

Lawyers from the two firms discussed a letter covering the matter in detail. A memo reveals, however, that the letter was never sent.