Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 10/20/10

A federal court has dismissed an appeal by the House of Raeford, clearing the way for criminal charges regarding discharged untreated wastewater in 2005 and 2006, according to court documents.

The charges related to allegations the company discharged untreated wastewater into Raeford's water system 14 times between Feb. 7, 2005, and Aug. 8, 2006.

The court ruled that criminal charges against the company and one of its managers did not constitute double jeopardy. The company has already paid nearly $1 million in civil fines and penalties related to the allegations.

A new trial date has not been set.

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