Vidrine

Judge Doherty wrote that, "Given the egregious conduct displayed by an agent of the government and the devastation wrought on otherwise law-abiding citizens," she would have given Mr. Vidrine more than $1.67 million, if federal law allowed punitive damages against the government, "in the hope of deterring such reckless and damaging conduct and abuse of power in the future."

Federal Police Ranks Swell to Enforce a Widening Array of Criminal Laws Louise Radnofsky 2011

Mr. Vidrine was charged in 1999 with "knowingly" storing hazardous waste, which later turned out to be used refined oil not covered by federal regulations.

Federal Police Ranks Swell to Enforce a Widening Array of Criminal Laws Louise Radnofsky 2011

In September, former oil-refinery manager Hubert Vidrine Jr. was awarded $1.67 million from a malicious-prosecution lawsuit he filed against the EPA.

Federal Police Ranks Swell to Enforce a Widening Array of Criminal Laws Louise Radnofsky 2011

About 1,500 residents in nearby St. Landry Parish were bracing for flooding, much of it in the town of Krotz Springs, said Lisa Vidrine , the parish's director of emergency preparedness.

Threat From Flooded River Flows South Mike Esterl 2011

Gary Fields/The Wall Street Jour Hubert Vidrine Jr. sued over an EPA-led raid, was awarded $1.67 million.

Federal Police Ranks Swell to Enforce a Widening Array of Criminal Laws Louise Radnofsky 2011

A few days earlier, federal judge Rebecca Doherty sided with Mr. Vidrine in his lawsuit.

Federal Police Ranks Swell to Enforce a Widening Array of Criminal Laws Louise Radnofsky 2011

Mr. Vidrine described in an interview a scene of guns, police dogs, flashing lights and roadblocks.

Federal Police Ranks Swell to Enforce a Widening Array of Criminal Laws Louise Radnofsky 2011

Neither has testified: Kaluza has invoked his 5th amendment rights and Vidrine has cited medical issues.

When the boss visits 2010

Vidrine was scheduled to testify earlier this month at a hearing in Kenner, La., where government investigators were questioning rig workers.

Stupak: BP Won't Let Congress Talk To Key Employees 2010

Vidrine told investigators three days after the explosion that at one point before the blast he had a call from the rig floor and that there was a problem "getting mud back" from the well.

Stupak: BP Won't Let Congress Talk To Key Employees 2010