Co-founder of Meningitis-linked pharmacy takes 5th Amendment right

WASHINGTON (WWLP-AP) - The owner and director of the specialty pharmacy tied to a deadly meningitis outbreak has declined to testify before a congressional committee investigating the matter.

Barry Cadden, co-founder of the New England Compound Center, told lawmakers he would use his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions in order to avoid self-incrimination.

After repeated questions by House lawmakers, Cadden told the House Energy and Commerce Committee: "Under advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer under basis of my constitutional rights and privileges, including the Fifth Amendment."

Lawmakers continued to ask Cadden questions about the contamination that has sickened nearly 440 people and caused 32 deaths.

During the hearing Wednesday morning, members of Congress heard testimony from Joyce Lovelace, whose husband died of meningitis in connection with the outbreak. She talked about how her husband died, and what it was like to see it happen.

"It was a nightmare to see this man that was perfectly healthy one moment.  Then, just so quickly going downhill.  Everything the doctors were doing for him was to no avail," Lovelace said.