Exxon Pleads Guilty in Valdez Spill Accord
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ANCHORAGE — Exxon Corp. and its shipping subsidiary pleaded guilty Friday to misdemeanor violations in the nation’s worst oil spill under a plea agreement with the federal government.
U.S. District Judge Russel Holland allowed the pleas but delayed sentencing until he gathers public comment on the plea agreement. He set sentencing for April 24.
If Holland rejects the agreement, the corporation can withdraw its pleas. If he accepts it, federal felony charges against the oil company will be dropped.
The plea bargain is a key part of the settlement announced last week by Gov. Walter J. Hickel, federal officials and Exxon. Under the settlement, Exxon would pay a record $100-million criminal fine.
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