Associated Press Published

Guilty Plea Hearing Tuesday for W.Va. Executive in Spill

Freedom Industries

An executive charged in a chemical spill that contaminated West Virginia’s biggest drinking water supply is expected to plead guilty.

Former Freedom Industries executive Dennis Farrell is expected to enter the plea Tuesday morning in Charleston federal court in front of Judge Thomas Johnston.

Farrell faces spill-related federal pollution charges. He could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

The January 2014 spill spurred a ban on using tap water for 300,000 people for up to 10 days.

The bankrupt company and four ex-officials have pleaded guilty to pollution charges.

Ex-Freedom President Gary Southern has a guilty plea hearing scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. He faces bankruptcy fraud and pollution charges.