Ep 23. Drunk with Power

In season 15 episode 23 of American Greed entitled "Drunk with Power", viewers are taken into the world of corporate corruption and the devastating effects it can have on innocent investors and employees. This episode tells the story of Dennis Kozlowski, former CEO of Tyco International, who was known for his extravagant lifestyle and lavish spending.

With a salary of $100 million, Kozlowski was living a life of luxury, complete with a $6,000 shower curtain and a $2 million birthday party for his wife on the island of Sardinia. But his opulent lifestyle wasn't enough. Kozlowski turned to fraud to increase his wealth, using company funds for personal expenses and engaging in insider trading.

The episode follows the investigation and eventual downfall of Kozlowski and his accomplice, Mark Swartz, Tyco's former CFO. As the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) closes in on the executives, they attempt to cover their tracks and destroy evidence. But it's not enough, and they are eventually convicted of grand larceny, conspiracy, and securities fraud.

Viewers not only witness the greed and corruption of Kozlowski and Swartz but also the impact it had on Tyco employees and shareholders. When the scandal was revealed, the company's stock plummeted, causing investors to lose millions of dollars. And for the employees of Tyco, the fallout was even more devastating. With the company in disarray, many lost their jobs and livelihoods.

The episode also shows the tireless efforts of law enforcement and legal teams in bringing Kozlowski and Swartz to justice. Viewers witness the complex legal battle as the defense team tries to discredit the prosecution's case and convince the jury of their clients' innocence. But in the end, the evidence proves too overwhelming, and the two men are sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.

"Drunk with Power" is a chilling reminder of the devastating effects greed and corruption can have on both individuals and society as a whole. It also highlights the importance of our justice system in holding those responsible accountable for their actions.