OKLAHOMA CITY ? An attorney for WorldCom pleaded not guilty on behalf of the company Thursday to the first criminal charges brought against the long-distance giant in the $11 billion accounting scandal that led to its collapse.

WorldCom, now known as MCI, and six of its former executives, including chief executive Bernie Ebbers, are charged with defrauding Oklahoma investors by inflating revenues and understating expenses.

Carol Petren, left, listens as Dean Luthey, the Tulsa attorney for MCI, answers a question following a court appearance in Oklahoma City. Petren, MCI deputy general counsel, pleaded not guilty on behalf of the company to the first criminal charges brought against the long-distance giant in an 1 billion accounting scandal.

The company could be ordered to pay millions in fines and restitution.

Carol Petren, MCI deputy general counsel, issued a statement criticizing Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Drew Edmondson for bringing the case.

“It is extremely disheartening that Mr. Edmondson has brought charges against a company given the dramatic steps MCI has taken to put its house in order,” she said.

She said the company had a new management team and internal controls in place to prevent a repeat of the problems that led to WorldCom’s downfall.

Last week, Ebbers pleaded not guilty to defrauding Oklahoma investors and was released on $50,000 bail. Each of the 15 charges carries 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.