Editing WR Grace Trust (section)

== What Was the Federal Criminal Prosecution of W.R. Grace? ==

In '''2005''', the U.S. Department of Justice took the extraordinary step of filing '''federal criminal charges''' against W.R. Grace and several company executives—one of the few times a major corporation has faced criminal prosecution for asbestos-related conduct.

=== The Criminal Indictment ===

'''February 2005:''' A federal grand jury in Montana indicted:
* '''W.R. Grace & Co.''' (the corporation)
* '''Seven current and former executives'''

'''Charges Included:'''
* Conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act
* Wire fraud
* Obstruction of justice
* Knowingly endangering residents of Libby

=== The Trial and Verdict ===

'''May 2009:''' After years of legal proceedings:
* W.R. Grace and all defendants were '''acquitted''' of criminal charges
* Jury found insufficient evidence to prove criminal intent beyond reasonable doubt
* Civil liability and trust fund obligations remained unaffected by verdict

{| style="width:100%; background:#fff3cd; border:1px solid #ffc107; border-left:5px solid #ffc107; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px; color:#856404;" | '''⚠️ Important Distinction:''' The criminal acquittal did NOT affect W.R. Grace's civil liability or the asbestos trust fund. The company still paid billions to settle asbestos claims, and the trust continues to compensate victims regardless of the criminal verdict.
|}