Former WorldCom Chief Executive Bernard Ebbers has filed a petition asking President George W. Bush to commute his 25-year prison sentence for his role in the $11 billion accounting fraud that sank the company.

A Justice Department spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that Mr. Ebbers has filed a petition with the Office of the Pardon Attorney that seeks the commutation.

Mr. Ebbers was convicted of conspiracy and fraud in 2005 and has been serving time in a Louisiana federal prison since September 2006.

WorldCom emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2004 under the name MCI Inc. and was later acquired by Verizon Communications.