CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin will join the FBI and federal EPA Wednesday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charleston to announce what’s being called a “development” in the federal investigation following the January water emergency.
Goodwin began the federal probe soon after MCHM from Freedom Industries leaked into the Elk River and contaminated the drinking water for residents in parts of nine counties.
The new development could be a plea bargain with Freedom Industries. The company has indicated in bankruptcy court filings that it has agreed to such a deal.
The Goodwin news conference is scheduled for 1:30.
Meanwhile, the former president and CEO of Freedom, Gary Southern, wants Goodwin off his criminal case.
Southern claims Goodwin and his staff were all impacted by the water crisis and there is a conflict of interest in the case.
Southern was charged with three crimes last week in connection with the bankruptcy case. He allegedly lied in an attempt to show he had a reduced role with the company.