Chicago Official Convicted in Tainted Water Scandal

Lied for decades about chemical contamination

A one-time suburban Chicago official was convicted Monday of lying for decades about drawing water for residents from a well the village knew was tainted by a cancer-causing chemical.

Theresa Neubauer, 55, is the only Crestwood official to go to trial in a scandal that shocked the region for the apparent callousness displayed by village officials. It also infuriated residents and left many fearing for their health and the health of their families.

As the verdict was read, the former water department supervisor showed no emotions. It took jurors two days of deliberations — starting Friday and resuming Monday — to reach a verdict.