
First Brands founder indicted for fraud as auto-parts giant collapses on lenders
The founder and former CEO Patrick James and his brother Edward James of auto-parts maker First Brands were indicted on nine counts, including running a continuing financial crimes enterprise, bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, amid allegations they fabricated growth and double‑pledged collateral, contributing to billions in liabilities and the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A former executive pleaded guilty, while Ford and GM are providing short-term financing to keep operations going as lenders face losses.













