x
Breaking News
More () »

'Pay back the unfortunate souls!' | Victims of TPC explosion plead for court to reject plea agreement

As part of the plea deal, TPC faces 1-5 years on probation, an $18M fine, and restitution. However, Sparks says it includes very little for the victims.

BEAUMONT, Texas — Dramatic testimony continued in federal court Tuesday from the victims of the 2019 TPC explosion. They're hoping the court rejects a plea deal from TPC.

Lawyers for TPC filed an injunction Tuesday claiming that it is too late to change the prior restitution agreement, leaving the victims feeling betrayed.

Five such victims testified in court today. They spoke about how the explosion continues to affect their bank account, and their lives.

Mark Sparks of Ferguson Law Firm represents many of the victims involved, and he says how they've been treated isn't right.

"It's very disheartening to know that the victims were left to fend for themselves," said Sparks.

One victim, George Branneth, was working at the TPC plant the night of the incident, and was just 300 feet away from the initial explosion.

He claims his medical bills and lost wages total more that $400K.

Back in October James Demas told 12News that he thinks the victims should have more of a voice.

"It's time for us to stand up and let our voice be heard," said Demas.

Demas took the stand Tuesday, claiming the explosion caused almost $120K worth of damage to his brand new home, and cost him over $4K in medical bills.

He believes TPC has, and will continue, to fail to keep the public safe and hold themselves accountable.

"It doesn't matter if they're in the community or not, it's not okay to blow everybody up and then file bankruptcy and go hide behind the federal government," said Demas.

22-year-old Kaylee Landry also gave her video testimony in court.

She says that doctors knew her Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis a year ago was related to living a half mile away from the plant before, during, and after the explosion.

As part of the plea deal, TPC faces 1-5 years on probation, an $18M fine, and restitution. However, Sparks says it includes very little for the victims.

"TPC's out of bankruptcy, pay back the people whose lives you injured and damaged, and pay back the unfortunate souls!" said Sparks.

All victims who have testified want the court to reject the plea agreement between TPC and the government.

"If the government has its way at this point, and if TPC gets its way at this point, you're going to get less than 5 cents on the dollar," said Sparks.

A final witness is expected to take the stand tomorrow. Attorneys for TPC have declined to comment until after the sentencing hearing concludes.

Before You Leave, Check This Out