The USDOJ and the USEPA always send out press releases for indictments and convictions. They never send out press releases for acquittals or defense verdicts. I wonder why that is . . ..
On November 9, 2012, in the United States v. United Water Services case, all defendants were found NOT GUILTY on all counts. United Water Environmental Services, Inc. is a part of a U.S. subsidiary of Suez Environment, a French company. The other acquitted defendants were the former plant manager and superintendent of a waste water treatment plant operated by UW in Gary, Indiana. This was a major environmental criminal prosecution out of the Northern District of Indiana. The defense team proved (once again) proved that you CAN go to trial and beat the government. The indictment alleged a conspiracy to violate the CWA and twenty-six (26) substantive violations by United Water Services and two of its employees. Some counts were dropped along the way by the government. All three defendants were acquitted of all remaining charges by the jury. It was a complete victory for the defense. The jury deliberated about eight (8) hours over two days. The case was tried in Hammond, Indiana.
Here is a link the Post-Tribune story. http://posttrib.suntimes.com/16272852-537/united-water-acquitted-of-all-charges.html
Congratulations go to the members of the defense team: Larry Mackey, George Horn, Pat Cotter, Harold Bickham, Meredith Rieger, and Tim Haley at Barnes & Thornburg and Steve Solow, Kristine Rembach and Rob Smith at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP represented United Water Services; Jackie Bennett and Bob Clark of Taft Stettinius & Hollister represented Dwain Bowie; and J.P. Hanlon and Kevin Kimmerling of Faegre Baker Daniels represented Gregory Ciaccio. My apologies if I left off any defense team members .
More later.
As always, please feel free to contact me at walter.james@jamespllc.com.
WDJiii