South El Monte : Firm’s Officials Indicted

The owners of Spring Works Inc., a manufacturing firm, have been indicted on charges of supplying substandard parts used in such military aircraft as the B-1 bomber and the F-18 fighter jet to dozens of defense contractors and subcontractors from 1978 to 1985.

The indictment issued by the federal Grand Jury in Los Angeles charges company President William McCullough and Vice President Stuart Baron with instructing employees to use inferior methods and materials in making springs.

Although no accidents have been directly tied to the parts, Assistant U.S. Atty. Mike Emmick said checks and repairs of the parts have cost some contractors more than $100,000.

Arraignment is scheduled in U.S. District Court on Jan. 12.

If convicted, McCullough faces a maximum prison term of 15 years and a fine of $750,000 and Baron 10 years and $500,000. In addition, the company could be fined $1.5 million.