Man accused in Cudahy plant fire to plead guilty
MILWAUKEE (AP) — One of two brothers accused of starting a $50 million fire at a Cudahy meatpacking plant is expected to plead guilty Tuesday.
Prosecutors say 25-year-old Kurtis Popp fired a military flare July 5 given to him by his brother, who took it while serving in the Marines Corps. The flare landed on a roof at the Patrick Cudahy Inc. meatpacking plant.
His 23-year-old brother Joshua Popp already pleaded guilty to second-degree recklessly endangering safety in an agreement with prosecutors. He will be sentenced Oct. 8.
Kurtis Popp faces the same charge. But his attorney Julius Kim said an agreement with prosecutors changes the charge to party to the crime.
He says it's not a lesser offense but acknowledges that Popp didn't know the flare's capability. He couldn't release any other details.
Sep 1, 2009 at 1:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
Probably because the military is well aware that soldiers take "souvenirs" all the time. This has been going on for decades and usually does not lead to the military filing charges.
Sep 1, 2009 at 10:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
This is true. I'm not sure why he hasn't yet been charged under the UCMJ. Seems this is worth a bad conduct discharge at minimum.
Sep 1, 2009 at 9:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
The military should also charge him with theft.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.