Former Iowa slaughterhouse manager testifies in own defense, admits mistakes but denies crimes

Associated Press

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 8:41 AM

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The former manager of a kosher Iowa slaughterhouse that was the site of a massive immigration raid says he never intentionally violated federal laws.

But Sholom Rubashkin said Thursday during his federal trial on 91 financial fraud charges that he "made mistakes."

Rubashkin says questionable financial practices at the Agriprocessors Inc. plant in Postville, Iowa, can be blamed on his oversights or other employees' actions.

But he says he tried to comply with the law.

The trial comes more than 18 months after a federal immigration raid at the plant in which nearly 400 workers were arrested.

The plant fell into bankruptcy. Prosecutors claim evidence of a massive fraud scheme was uncovered during an investigation by a court-appointed trustee.

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Information from: The Des Moines Register.

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