The Nation - News from Sept. 24, 1989

The Alaska criminal trial for fired Exxon Valdez Capt. Joseph Hazelwood has been delayed until early next year. The significance of the case prompted prosecutors and defense lawyers to suggest a delay, and during a hearing, a state Superior Court judge canceled the Oct. 30 trial date and set Jan. 8 for the start. Hazelwood, 43, is free on $50,000 bail. He faces three misdemeanors--operating the tanker while intoxicated, reckless endangerment and negligent discharge of oil--and three felony counts of criminal mischief. Hazelwood’s lawyers have filed motions to dismiss some of the charges. The defense also is seeking to move the trial out of the small town of Valdez. Hazelwood was in command of the Exxon Valdez when it ran aground March 24, spilling nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound.