NECC Owner Cadden Takes The Fifth at Hearing

Wrentham resident and co-founder of the New England Compound Center (NECC) Barry Cadden refused to speak during a congressional hearing today on the meningitis outbreak linked to his Framingham-based company.

Being asked multiple questions by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the NECC co-owner simply said said, "Under advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer under basis of my constitutional rights and privileges, including the Fifth Amendment."

The House Energy and Commerce Committee convened the first hearing to examine the outbreak that has sickened about 440 people and caused 32 deaths across the country.

Cadden said he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions to avoid self-incrimination.

Since being closed last month, the state has taken steps to make sure that NECC can no longer practice in Massachusetts again, including permanently revoking the company's license.

Ameridose in Westborough, which shares owners with NECC, has not been implicated in the outbreak, though it has voluntarily closed to allow for an inspection. The company announced last week it would be laying off hundreds.