PG&E Expects New Federal Indictment Over San Bruno Explosion
SAN BRUNO (CBS / AP) -- Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is bracing itself for a new federal indictment against the company next month in connection with a deadly pipeline explosion that leveled a suburban California neighborhood in 2010.
In a June 3 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, PG&E announced that the U.S. Attorney's Office intended to file what is called a superseding indictment against the utility in July.
Such an indictment would nullify the previous one issued in April and may be issued because charges have either been added or altered.
PG&E was charged in April with 12 federal felony violations of safety laws, which could carry fines of $6 million or more. It has pleaded not guilty.
Company spokeswoman Debbie Felix says the government's case lacks merit.
A message seeking comment from the U.S. Attorney's Office wasn't immediately returned.
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