BofA's CEO Lewis subpoenaed by Cuomo

[February 20, 2009]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Bank of America Chief Executive Ken Lewis has received a subpoena from the New York state attorney general's office in connection with Merrill Lynch's payment of employee bonuses before the companies combined Jan. 1.

Former Merrill CEO John Thain, who was subpoenaed last month, also was questioned by investigators on Thursday about the bonuses that were paid in late December, just days before Bank of America completed its purchase of New York-based Merrill, according to a person familiar with the investigation. The person requested anonymity because of the ongoing nature of the matter.

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has been investigating the $3.6 billion in bonuses and whether investors were properly informed about Merrill's finances.

[Associated Press; By IEVA M. AUGSTUMS]

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