JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Six executives of a Louisiana company that recycles explosives have pleaded not guilty as part of an investigation into the improper storage of millions of pounds of military propellant.
The Webster Parish district attorney's office says they pleaded not guilty on Monday. A status conference is scheduled for Sept. 30 and trial for Nov. 4.
Explo Systems, owners David Fincher and David Smith and four employees face 10 felony charges each.
Explo Systems had a multimillion-dollar military contract to dismantle propelling charges used to fire artillery rounds. The company operated on space leased at Camp Minden, a National Guard installation in north Louisiana. An explosion last October led to an investigation.
Authorities evacuated nearby Doyline after finding what they considered millions of pounds of improperly stored propellant known as M6.