SECURITIES

Fraud Defendant Asks to Withdraw Guilty Plea: Steven Hoffenberg told a judge that he was mentally unfit when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud charges last year. It was unclear whether Hoffenberg still considers himself mentally incapacitated. Hoffenberg’s sentencing date was postponed till next month to allow a psychiatric examination. He allegedly sold more than $450 million in fraudulent notes and bonds and used money from later investors to pay previous ones. Part of the money was allegedly used to run the New York Post and to operate Towers Financial Corp. in a way that made it appear healthy.