Two Indicted for Concealing Crestwood's Use of Drinking Water Tainted with Cancer-Causing Agents
Updated: Thursday, 11 Aug 2011, 9:33 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 11 Aug 2011, 3:36 PM CDT

By Political Editor Mike Flannery, FOX Chicago News

Chicago - A federal grand jury indicted two former water officials in Crestwood Thursday. They’re accused of scheming to conceal the fact that cancer-causing chemicals were in the south suburb’s drinking water for more than 20 years.

The indictment does not allege that the tainted water caused any harm to Crestwood’s 11,000 residents. But some have still blamed the water for cancer and other illnesses afflicting them. Mayor Robert Stranczek and other village officials have disputed the claims.

The village’s current police chief Theresa Neubauer, 53, faces 22 felony counts of making false statements. The indictment cites her former role as clerk and supervisor of Crestwood’s water department.

Frank Scaccia, 59, faces 23 felony counts. He retired as Crestwood’s certified water operator.

The indictment refers to the longtime political boss of Crestwood, former Mayor Chester Stranczek, as “Public Official A.â€