A federal jury has found Joseph P. Nacchio, the former chief executive officer of Qwest Communications International Inc., guilty of insider trading charges, the Justice Department announced today.

The jury found Nacchio, 57, guilty of 19 counts of insider trading, covering $52 million in stock sales, that were charged in a December 2005 indictment. The jury returned its verdict today following 15 days of trial before U.S. District Judge Edward Nottingham, and six days of deliberation. The jury returned not guilty verdicts on the remaining 23 counts.

Nacchio faces up to 10 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine per count at sentencing, which Judge Nottingham has scheduled for July 27, 2007. Nacchio was released on bond pending his sentencing. He also faces asset forfeiture, the amount of which will be determined by Judge Nottingham at a separate hearing after the trial.