Fraud Linked To Air Safety Pits Lancaster County Father Against Son
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The start of federal trial in a fraud linked to airplane safety pits father against son. A Lancaster County man and his former company, Flying Tigers, are charged with conspiracy, fraud involving airplane parts and other offenses.
Flying Tigers president and owner Jay Stout allegedly falsified documents for airplane maintenance and inspections -- work the prosecution alleges either wasn't done or wasn't done by a qualified mechanic or inspector.
Among the witnesses against Stout is his son Joel Stout. Prosecutor Arlene Fisk has told the jury Joel Stout pleaded guilty and will testify against his father in hopes of getting a break in his sentence.
But defense attorney Joel Benecke, who represents the company, has told the jury Joel Stout is the one who has admitted guilt -- and Benecke has asked jurors to consider people's motivation -- and he suggested Joel Stout is trying to get out of trouble by getting on the stand and lying about his father.
Jay Stout's attorney will make his opening statement later in the trial.
There is no allegation in this case of any plane or air mishaps resulting from the alleged crimes involving small aircraft.