House of Raeford Farms convicted of polluting local sewer systemAugust 21, 2012 | Audrey Fannin
The U.S. Department of Justice said that House of Raeford Farms allowed employees to send untreated wastewater directly to the city of Raeford's wastewater treatment plant for 16 months. The water was contaminated with blood, grease and body parts from slaughtered turkeys.
Monday's verdicts on 10 counts followed a weeklong trial at the federal courthouse in Winston-Salem. The convictions could result in a $5 million fine.
Plant manager Gregory Steenblock faced a 14-count indictment, but was acquitted on all charges. He was accused of being responsible for the discharges and for allowing them despite hearing complaints and warnings from his employees. He faced up to 42 years in prison had he been convicted.
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Headlines for November 1, 2011
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