On Friday, September 13, 2013, my good friend George Chalos let me know that his clients, Angelex Ltd. and Kassian Maritime Navigation Agency, Ltd., were acquitted in a “magic pipe” criminal trial in Norfolk, Virginia.
The jury’s verdict came after two (2) days of deliberations following a nine (9) day trial before US District Judge Mark Davis. The jury rejected claims by the DOJ that the alleged illegal conduct was performed by the vessel’s crew members in the course and scope of their employment and with the intent to benefit Angelex and Kassian. Angelex and Kassian had “zero tolerance” pollution prevention policies and procedures, which strictly prohibited crewmembers from taking any “shortcuts” to bypass the ship’s pollution prevention equipment.
In an interesting development, during trial, all of the witnesses in the case confirmed that any illegal conduct occurring on board the ship was in fact hidden from Angelex and Kassian and was even hidden from the Master of the ship. The evidence also established that the illegal activity was done without any intent to benefit either company.
Congratulations to George Chalos!!
More later.
As always, please feel free to contact me at walter.james@jamespllc.com
WDJiii