OSHA Seeking Federal Criminal Charges against Bartlett
(KAIR) -- Around 18 months after an Atchison grain elevator explosion killed six people; federal prosecutors now are considering criminal charges against the owners.
According to the Kansas City Star, OSHA has referred the case for criminal prosecution against Bartlett Grain and/or its top officials.
The criminal investigation began about three months ago.
Bartlett responded to the Star about the criminal investigation, citing that they have “…met with the U.S. Attorney’s Office since that referral, as is standard practice, and has pledged its complete cooperation. Bartlett Grain respects the confidential nature of the inquiry and, thus, cannot publicly discuss this matter further until the U.S. Attorney’s Office has completed their review.”
On April 12, 2012, OSHA issued multiple citations to Bartlett, totaling 406 thousand dollars.
Bartlett has stated that they are fighting the fines, claiming the citations are “flawed.”
In the response to the Star, Bartlett states “…In the year following the accident, Bartlett Grain brought in a team of the country’s most knowledgeable engineers and explosion experts, and their extensive investigations concluded that OSHA’s citations were not only mistaken but, in fact, those findings could not have contributed to the accident. Bartlett Grain anticipated and understood we would have an opportunity to prove all of this to OSHA. At every stage, however, OSHA declined to discuss their allegations with Bartlett Grain. Ultimately, on the eve of a mandatory mediation at which Bartlett Grain finally would have had a chance to discuss the merits of OSHA’s allegations, OSHA put the matter on hold and made its referral to the U.S. Attorney’s Office based on ‘standard policy.”
The fines have been put on hold pending the criminal investigation.
Also currently in limbo is a civil suit in Jackson County Circuit Court filed by four of the six families of the victims against Bartlett and their President, Bob Knief.
This isn’t the first time OSHA has pursued federal charges against a Kansas grain elevator.
A 1998 blast at a Wichita elevator owned by North Kansas City-based DeBruce Grain killed seven workers.
OSHA asked for criminal charges, alleging DeBruce knowingly and “willfully” disregarded workplace safety rules that could have prevented the deaths.
However, federal prosecutors in that case declined, and OSHA then negotiated a settlement, drastically dropping its civil fines against DeBruce.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
USD 415 board select new member
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
LATEST STORIES
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday
RELATED STORIES
Atchison Co Commission Focuses On Speed Limits
Warnock Lake in Atchison Under Public Health Warning
Auburn School Board Approves Bids
Amelia Earhart Bridge Open to Final Traffic Configuration
One Person Injured in Atchison Wreck
MMA Meet and Greet Hopes to Provide Spark to Atchison Economy
Atchison Co Commission to Talk Transfer Station Privatization
Atchison Co to Take Over Township Road Maintenance
Atchison Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault
St. Joseph Man in Custody for Atchison Car Burglaries and Chase