EaglePicher Technologies, LLC Issues Statement In Response to CBS News Story
December 8, 2001 - In response to a story aired by CBS News on December 6 and 7, 2001, EaglePicher Technologies, LLC issued the following statement:
EaglePicher strongly believes that all allegations of wrongdoing by two of its former employees broadcast by CBS are false. In the lawsuit brought by Richard Peoples, the United States Government thoroughly investigated Mr. Peoples allegations’ and declined to pursue the lawsuit. EaglePicher fully supported and cooperated with the investigation. In addition, EaglePicher conducted an extensive investigation and found no evidence to support any of Mr. People’s allegations. EaglePicher is fully committed to compliance with all requirements of law and to ethical business practices. EaglePicher’s employee community includes many veterans of the U.S. armed forces and parents of current service personnel. EaglePicher is proud that its products support this country’s armed forces. We are shocked and disappointed by false accusations that add to the pain and confusion experienced by those impacted by the recent events in the war on terrorism.
EaglePicher does not believe that either Mr. Peoples or Doug Smith is a reliable or credible source of information on this matter. CBS’ broadcast failed to mention that Mr. Peoples has recently acknowledged in court deliberately falsifying documents in his lawsuit. EaglePicher believes this was clearly an effort to fabricate evidence against EaglePicher, and for personal gain. EaglePicher will continue to contest that lawsuit vigorously, and is confident that it will prevail. Mr. Peoples had not worked in the area producing the batteries in question since 1990, and was terminated by EaglePicher in 1995 after a history of poor job performance. Mr. Peoples also pleaded guilty in 1995 to a felony federal criminal offense of violating environmental law. Mr. Smith was terminated for excessive absenteeism in 1994.
EaglePicher Technologies stands firmly behind the quality and reliability of its batteries used in various weapons systems. EaglePicher’s batteries have demonstrated a solid track record of reliable performance in a variety of weapons systems for many years, including in the Gulf War where EaglePicher received numerous commendations for the performance of its batteries. EaglePicher’s other notable accomplishments include producing the lunar module batteries that brought Apollo 13 safely back to Earth and achieving over 500 million flight hours in space on satellites without a single failure.
The employees of EaglePicher and their families are shocked and saddened by the credence given to accusations without merit. We have five thousand employees working hard to deliver quality products and services with integrity. Many have expressed anger for these unjustified and untrue accusations. We are proud of our people, our history, and our products.
