Former Grace executive pleads innocent

The last of seven senior executives with W.R. Grace pleaded innocent Tuesday to federal charges.

Former mine manager William McCaig entered his plea in Missoula, catching up with six other men who were indicted by a grand jury in February. They are accused of violated federal laws in connection with Grace's operation of a vermiculite mine in Libby.

Others who pleaded innocent in February were Alan Stringer, Henry Eschenbach, Jack Wolter, Robert Bettacchi, Mario Favorito and Robert Walsh.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Leif "Bart" Erickson arraigned the men, whose trials will likely be heard by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula.

Grace and the seven men are accused of hiding the health risks of toxic asbestos associated with the vermiculite mine. Charges include conspiracy, Clean Air Act violations, wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

Thousands who lived and worked in the community have reportedly been sickened or killed from asbestos-related illnesses.