The Co-founder of Broadcom Corp. Henry T. Nicholas III was indicted on conspiracy, fraud and narcotic charges by a federal grand jury, the Justice Department said Thursday.

Among the allegations the jury said he put ecstasy into the drinks of Broadcom executives and also covered his illegal conduct with death threats.

Broadcom's former chief financial officer was also indicted on a stock-option backdating.

If convicted, Nicholas could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Shares of Broadcom closed 2.31 percent up at $28.75 in Nasdaq trade on Thursday.