Expert in Mark Cuban's insider-trading trial says Cuban wasn't barred from selling shares
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this March 28, 2013, file photo, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban smiles during an NBA game in Dallas on March 28, 2013. Opening arguments in the government's insider-trading case against Cuban begin on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, in federal court in Dallas. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes, File) (The Associated Press)
A financial expert is telling jurors in Mark Cuban's insider-trading trial that he talked to the billionaire about a transaction that would lower the value of one of his stock holdings.
Arnold Owen testified Wednesday that he didn't think Cuban was barred from selling his shares in Momma.com or required to keep their 2004 phone call confidential.
Owen was working for an investment bank hired by the search-engine company to find investors for a stock offering. The offering lowered the value of the company's previous shares, including 600,000 that Cuban owned.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Securities and Exchange Commission says Cuban avoided $750,000 in losses by using inside information to sell his shares. Cuban, who owns Dallas Mavericks, says he never promised not to trade on information he learned while Momma.com's biggest shareholder.