DOJ seeks extension for SeaWorld criminal investigation

Friday, 04 Apr, 2018 0

The Justice Department is seeking an extra two more months to conclude a criminal investigation into SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.

The DOJ wants to extend a temporary hold on a class action lawsuit brought by investors.

It has asked U.S. District Judge Michael Anello to stop the plaintiffs conducting depositions of seven SeaWorld executives while the department completes its investigations.

"The taking of a limited number of these depositions may implicate and negatively affect the ongoing criminal investigation," the DOJ said.

The judge will rule on the request after reviewing confidential documents relating to the Justice Department’s investigation.

It asked to hold off on depositions of SeaWorld’s former CEO James Atchison, former vice president of communications Fred Jacobs, former COO Daniel Brown, former CFO James Heaney, and three current executives.

Federal investigators have already twice successfully applied for a temporary stay in the civil case.

The lawsuit alleges company executives misled investors over the impact of the 2013 documentary ‘Blackfish.’

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