WASHINGTON — The co-owner of the Framingham pharmacy blamed for the fungal meningitis outbreak that has killed 32 people strode grimly into a congressional hearing Wednesday overflowing with politicians, patient advocates, and media awaiting an explanation for one of the worst public health crises in decades.

But Barry Cadden immediately made clear he would provide no answers in his first public appearance since New England Compounding Center was tied to the illnesses. “Mr. Chairman, on the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer,” he said repeatedly in response to questions, exercising his constitutional right not to incriminate himself. Cadden appeared to be reading from an index card.

Comments

gaf1111

11/15/2012 06:43 AM

This is just another thing you can add to Deval Patrick's poor stewardship of our state agencies. The criminal drug lab testing scandal and now this. Both of these will cost the state millions. Quite a legacy Governor.

engsafety

11/15/2012 08:32 AM

Of course he pled the fifth, he's still breathing. Reminds me of the joke about the man who was remembering his grandfather...."I'm glad he died in his sleep, in peace, not screaming in terror like his passengers." And of course the government is arguing back and forth about how they have no jurisdiction here or there...reminding me of the labor department head who didn't think it was her role to look for trouble spots. Government workers need to be paid less and given incentives for great performance, like making sure drug labs are inspected as diligently as reataurants that the local government does not like or are in competition with friends or relatives' businesses.