For 890 days while the government prosecuted retired Blue Bell executive Paul Kruse, that European river cruise or summer in Tuscany wasn’t an option. This week, his U.S. Passport was returned to Kruse, marking the culmination of his plea agreement ending the government’s case against him.
It is also the
Continue Reading Plea agreement brings closure to Blue Bell’s last case involving the 2015 listeriosis outbreak
In a plea deal, government attorneys agreed to drop felony fraud charges against the retired former chief executive of Blue Bell Creameries LP over a 2015 listeria outbreak that led to three deaths. In exchange, 68- year-old Paul Kruse agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge over food safety
Continue Reading Plea deal frees retired Blue Bell president from jail time or another jury trial
The Final Docket Call for the second criminal trial of Paul Kruse, the retired Blue Bell Creameries president, is set for March 31 in Austin’s Western District Court.
Federal Judge Robert Pitman signed an order that requires the 68-year-old Kruse to be present for the proceeding along with his defense
Continue Reading Austin judge issues Final Docket Call for second criminal trial of retired Blue Bell exec
Government prosecutors wrapped conspiracy and fraud around the head of the former president of Blue Bell ice cream, but a hung jury did not buy it. That Texas jury was 10-to-2 in favor of acquittal.
But how then should be explained the illnesses and deaths associated with the 2015 listeriosis
Continue Reading Scientists blame listeria’s low priority for regulatory support as the likely true cause for a low-burn listeria outbreak
Federal Judge Robert Pitman, who presided over the 15-day mistrial of Blue Bell’s former president, has ruled in another case involving the Brenham, TX-based creamery.
From his Western District of Texas federal court bench, Pitman granted the motion for a summary judgment favoring two insurance companies over Blue Bell Creameries
Continue Reading Blue Bell’s insurance carriers do not have to pay for the 2015 Listeria outbreak damages
— COMMENTARY —
The jury is hung. The judge declared a mistrial. The prosecution can try again, but it isn’t required.
We could leave it there. As one famous Texan said, it might be the prudent thing to do. But what fun would that be?
We’ve been covering the United
Continue Reading Is Kruse the ‘Bright Line’ case for the food safety community or not?
The United States v Paul Kruse trial in Austin, TX, has adjourned for the weekend. It will continue at 8:30 a.m. Monday, when presumably the jury will resume deliberations.
The jury consists of 12 men and four women, including four alternates. Its task is to decide the guilt or innocence
Continue Reading In Austin, Texas, the trial of the retired Blue Bell president adjourns for the weekend
AUSTIN–At the request of the Department of Justice team trying the case, the trial judge dismissed one of the seven counts of the indictment against a former president of Blue Bell ice cream.
Federal Judge Robert Pitman dismissed Count 6 of the indictment and struck the allegations in paragraph 43
Continue Reading DOJ drops one charge against retired Blue Bell president as trial begins
With three weeks until jury selection, the first sealed document with several exhibits was docketed in the United States v. Paul Krause. Its contents remain a mystery.
And ahead of the July 22 pre-trial meeting, the prosecution and defense are conducting spirited arguments over whether certain parts of the indictment
Continue Reading Pre-trial arguments underway for Aug. 1 trial of retired Blue Bell president
Does a company’s sanitary record figure into its possible criminal conduct when involved in an outbreak of foodborne illness?
That question is being disputed during the pre-trial stage of the United States v. Paul Kruse. Pre-trial motions are scheduled for July 22 in the Texas Western District court in Austin.
Continue Reading When is sanitary history too ripe for the jury?