The Securities and Exchange Commission <A HREF="http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/biztech/04/24/apple.stock.ap/index.html">filed civil charges against two former Apple officers</A> over their alleged roles in backdating stock options. The agency immediately announced a settlement with one of them.

Former Chief Financial Officer Fred Anderson, 62, has agreed to pay about $3.5 million in fines and penalties to settle the case, the SEC said.

The case against former general counsel Nancy Heinen, 50, will proceed. Her attorneys have vowed to fight the charges.