SEC charges ex-United Rentals CFO with fraud

WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said on Monday that it has charged the former chief financial officer of construction equipment renting company United Rentals Inc (URI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) with financial fraud.

The SEC said John Milne engaged in a series of fraudulent transactions from 2000 through 2002 to help United Rentals meet earnings forecasts and analyst expectations.

The agency is seeking an officer and director bar, disgorgement and prejudgment interest and civil penalties in the case. (Reporting by Karey Wutkowski)