Media not kept out of trial on A-plant security fraud

August 5, 1980

The judge in the security-violation cover-up trial of the nation's largest nuclear power producer declined to rule Monday on a defense motion to exclude the news media and the public from presentation of classified information. He also denied a motion to exclude evidence of at least 35 additional federal security violations not listed in the indictment.

Commonwealth Edison Company and two of its employees are charged with fraud and conspiracy for allegedly trying to cover up security violations at a nuclear power station. The trial could lead to tough security standards for the entire nuclear power industry.