Owner of meningitis-linked pharmacy takes Fifth

WASHINGTON (AP) - The owner and director of the specialty pharmacy tied to a deadly meningitis outbreak has declined to testify before a congressional committee investigating the matter.

Barry Cadden, co-founder of the New England Compound Center, told lawmakers he would use his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions in order to avoid self-incrimination.

After repeated questions by House lawmakers, Cadden told the House Energy and Commerce Committee: "Under advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer under basis of my constitutional rights and privileges, including the Fifth Amendment."

Lawmakers continued to ask Cadden questions about the contamination that has sickened nearly 440 people and caused 32 deaths.

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