CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin’s office will stay on the trial of ex-Freedom Industries officials Gary Southern and Dennis Farrell.
In federal court Wednesday, Judge Thomas Johnston denied a motion to have his office recused because the spill affected Goodwin’s residence area. Southern and Farrell argued that Goodwin had a conflict of interest because he was affected.
The January 2014 Freedom spill resulted in a water ban for 300,000 people for days.
Southern and Farrell have pleaded not guilty to the pollution charges they face.
Their trials are scheduled to begin in October.