Possible NY plea by Madoff’s financial officer

NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have signaled the former chief financial officer at Bernard Madoff’s firm may be close to a plea deal.

Prosecutors notified the court on Friday that they intend to bring unspecified charges against Frank DiPascali by filing papers that usually indicate a plea deal is in the works.

Both prosecutors and DiPascali’s lawyers declined to comment.

DiPascali worked closely with Madoff before the disgraced financier admitted last year his investment advisory business was a giant Ponzi scheme that victimized thousands of investors.

The 71-year-old Madoff is serving a 150-year prison sentence.