CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A former executive of Freedom Industries has pleaded guilty to a crime connected to the massive chemical spill that contaminated the water supply for hundreds of thousands of people. <\/p>\n
William Tis, 60, pleaded guilty to a count of causing unlawful discharge of refuse matter. <\/p>\n
When U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston asked Tis point blank \"did you do it?\" Tis responded saying \"I have signed my name to these documents, but no, I don't believe I committed a crime.\" <\/p>\n
Judge Johnston was apprehensive about continuing the hearing, saying \"this exchange is rather unique in my experience.\" <\/p>\n
Tis went on to explain that while he doesn't feel responsible for the chemical spill, as a corporate officer, he takes responsibility. <\/p>\n
Judge Johnston went ahead and set a sentencing date for June 22 at 2:00 p.m. <\/p>\n
As he left the federal courthouse, WSAZ asked Tis to further explain what he meant when he said \"I didn't commit a crime,\" but one of his attorneys jumped in and said \"he has no comment.\" <\/p>\n
The chemical spill happened on January 9, 2014 when MCHM leaked from a storage tank at Freedom Industries and went into the Elk River. <\/p>\n
Another former executive of the company, Charles Herzing, is set to plea Monday afternoon. WSAZ will have a reporter in the courtroom. <\/p>\n
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com and WSAZ mobile for the latest information. <\/p>\n
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UPDATE: Former Freedom Executive Pleads Guilty to Chemical Spill Charge<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A former executive of Freedom Industries has pleaded guilty to a crime connected to the massive chemical spill that contaminated the water supply for hundreds of thousands of people. Continue reading