The government essentially rested yesterday afternoon. The government presented a very strong case against John Tuma and now it is the defense’s turn to chip away, if they can, at the government’s case.
In overview, the government presented three former employees that all said that waste waste was illegally dumped into the Red River and the City POTW. There were City employees that testified as to seeing discharges at times no discharge was allowed. None of that testimony was, in my opinion, effectively challenged on cross examination.
As I stated yesterday, I think the defense may be taking the position that John Tuma was the individual putting all of the controls in place and that Wayne Mallet, Todd Cage and Cody Tuma all conspired to circumvent those controls. In my opinion, that is a dangerous defense that could blow up.
I will not be at the trial today – other commitments; however, Bruce Pasfield will be there and will be providing me with the recap to post here. I will be back in the courtroom on Tuesday, to continue the posts.
More later.
As always, please feel free to contact me at walter.james@jamespllc.com.
WDJiii