ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, October 24, 1996 TAG: 9610240051
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NORFOLK
The operator of the wastewater treatment plant at Smithfield Foods has pleaded guilty to charges of dumping illegal amounts of bacteria into the Pagan River and then attempting to cover up the discharges.
Terry L. Rettig of Virginia Beach had pleaded innocent to a 23-count indictment earlier this month. But at a U.S. District Court hearing Tuesday, he changed his plea to guilty on all counts.
Rettig faces a maximum 54 years in prison and $5.75 million fine, according to the Department of Justice. Sentencing was set for Jan. 16.
Rettig admitted discharging illegal amounts of fecal coliform bacteria at Smithfield Foods in 1991 and 1992 and later falsifying reports to state regulators to hide the violations. Fecal coliform is found in manure.
Rettig also admitted discarding or destroying environmental records that Smithfield Foods is required to keep.
The indictment did not charge Smithfield Foods with any wrongdoing. However, the company faces separate state and federal lawsuits alleging pollution of the Pagan River.
- Associated Press
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