Ex-Honda Executive Sentenced To Prison

The former American Honda Motor Co. executive who testified he received millions of dollars in kickbacks from dealers was sentenced Friday to five years in federal prison.

Stanley James Cardiges, the top U.S. sales executive for American Honda from 1988 to 1992, admitted receiving $2 million to $5 million in cash, clothing, cars and other gifts from dealers lusting for lucrative dealerships and scarce but hot-selling cars.

U.S. District Judge Joseph DiClerico fined Cardiges $364,000, which his lawyer said far exceeded his assets. Cardiges was immediately taken into custody.