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Ex-Toyota lawyer says documents prove company hid damaging i

CNN -- Los Angeles, California (CNN ) -- When former in-house defense attorney Dimitrios Biller resigned from his top post at Toyota, he walked out with something potentially more valuable than his nearly $4 million severance package.

He took some 6,000 internal documents, including memos and e-mails potentially damaging to his former employer.

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Submitted Mar 11, 2010 By: MyVue08

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jwalkerh Champion Author Louisiana Posts:2,104 Points:565,015 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 9:54:09 AM Ignore jwalkerh Report Abuse This sounds like a coverup which is what everyone suspects. It is not surprising especially regarding the sheer number of problems.
coughlin Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,147 Points:300,275 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:01:12 AM Ignore coughlin Report Abuse This is huge. This is (on a much smaller scale) comparable to Alexander Butterfield disclosing the fact that there was a Taping System in Richard Nixon's Oval Office, to the Watergate Committee.
Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:6,253 Points:1,578,590 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 5:29:09 AM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse If this is really true, then Toyota should be held totally accountable for all of their actions.
ArmydudeNC Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,210 Points:404,100 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 4:33:25 AM Ignore ArmydudeNC Report Abuse The bad news continues for Toyota.
greywolves Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:4,111 Points:1,528,970 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 4:27:04 AM Ignore greywolves Report Abuse by the way, is that fitwit ot nitwit?
greywolves Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:4,111 Points:1,528,970 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 4:25:05 AM Ignore greywolves Report Abuse the judge hearing the case has already ordered biller to turn the documents to the custody of the court. the legality of the many faceted issues of this case will be heard by the court in due time. a temporary order gagging biller has been issued by the court. the really interesting question is, If a recognized regulating body (dept. of transportation), congressional oversight committee or a district attorney where to file an amicus curie brief or requested a cameral view of the documents. biller alleges, the documents prove a long term effort to conceal known product defects and a pattern of criminal behavior (as defined by the racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations act) this would put toyota in a very difficult position, indeed. and the judge in the same position as releasing a murderer because of tainted evidence.
harleydoctor Champion Author Kansas Posts:2,495 Points:966,930 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 4:11:51 AM Ignore harleydoctor Report Abuse OMG, the gall of Toyota,is anyone really surprised?????lol
OriginalBudman Champion Author Barrie Posts:6,014 Points:1,276,240 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 4:03:32 AM Ignore OriginalBudman Report Abuse I knew there was something fishy going on at this company.
greywolves Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:4,111 Points:1,528,970 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:58:06 AM Ignore greywolves Report Abuse actually, it is. but i doubt he will receive the remainder of his severance package. he has already received a registered love note in the mail from toyota
packards42 Champion Author Washington Posts:1,682 Points:306,280 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:58:03 AM Ignore packards42 Report Abuse He took some 6,000 internal documents, including memos and e-mails potentially damaging to his former employer. Isn't something like this illegal. What ever happen to disclosure rules. Don't get me wrong, I don't think you have to give the other side damage information. What to happened to privacy rights. Aren't corporation treat like individual with right to privacy.,
Fitwit Champion Author Stockton Posts:2,083 Points:454,220 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:54:29 AM Ignore Fitwit Report Abuse Naughty, Naughty Dimitrios! You have to live with yourself. The 4 million seveerance package isn't worth selling your soul for.
BigDogOH Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,552 Points:833,365 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:53:23 AM Ignore BigDogOH Report Abuse Need to dig into our own government coverups
jimraehl Champion Author Utah Posts:2,192 Points:671,590 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:53:01 AM Ignore jimraehl Report Abuse This is getting really juicy. But according to the latest Consumer Reports auto satisfaction survey, Toyota is at the top of the list, with GM and Chrysler at the bottom.
Eichhornchen Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,737 Points:534,865 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:48:44 AM Ignore Eichhornchen Report Abuse Too bad they're not digging in and examining the health care bill like they are Toyota's documents.
JimTee All-Star Author Tampa Posts:920 Points:790,315 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:40:24 AM Ignore JimTee Report Abuse This story is not over yet...
wegman Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,928 Points:1,129,705 Joined:Jun 2001	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:36:59 AM Ignore wegman Report Abuse Well we already know the guy broke the law when he stole the documents. And the tort bar is the most parasitic element of American society. I trust this guy as much as I trust William Jefferson Clinton.
spiderjay Champion Author Little Rock Posts:2,250 Points:582,555 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:30:10 AM Ignore spiderjay Report Abuse DUH I could see that ages ago
Sam195 Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:3,230 Points:621,300 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:28:18 AM Ignore Sam195 Report Abuse Gee, if a lawyer says it, then it must be true.
1fulltank Champion Author Buffalo Posts:3,010 Points:581,850 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:19:40 AM Ignore 1fulltank Report Abuse Lawyers always help.
jackson661 Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,744 Points:576,585 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:09:34 AM Ignore jackson661 Report Abuse "criminal acts" by Toyota -- specifically, withholding information ... what..the
twobroke61 Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,458 Points:623,735 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 3:03:58 AM Ignore twobroke61 Report Abuse you can bet them records never hit the courts
toyota1999 Champion Author Louisville Posts:5,123 Points:1,067,225 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:35:29 AM Ignore toyota1999 Report Abuse Toyota hiding details???? hmm not Toyota.
sosgas All-Star Author Portland Posts:526 Points:251,910 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:31:47 AM Ignore sosgas Report Abuse Unbelievable....,BUT>>>
findcheap Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,673 Points:1,035,640 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:31:23 AM Ignore findcheap Report Abuse can't trust those lawyers
pbc2001 Champion Author Dallas Posts:2,311 Points:416,430 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:14:14 AM Ignore pbc2001 Report Abuse Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
outlaw329 Champion Author Austin Posts:2,801 Points:464,845 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:11:53 AM Ignore outlaw329 Report Abuse Who would have ever guessed a company hiding something? Well I'll be damned.
TPlayer All-Star Author Fort Wayne Posts:576 Points:140,010 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 2:06:36 AM Ignore TPlayer Report Abuse 9C1 that is a completely idiotic, unintelligent statement... 250Ford... should we also shut down Ford in this country... or just turn a blind eye to them doing the same thing along with all corporations that are mostly corrupt in this country... This lawyer is trying to paint himself as a hero when he is a hypocrite... he took the money and ran... both he and toyota have no credibility... but what corporations truly do... not many...
genef01 Champion Author Nashville Posts:2,183 Points:703,315 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:55:04 AM Ignore genef01 Report Abuse Unbelievable....CruisinLinda and skynet both make good points. I wonder which state(s) admitted him to the bar and what their ethics investigators are doing about his public disclosure that he has damaging documents. By his actions and statements, he may have made the documents inadmissible as it seems that he certainly has violated attorney-client privilege.
jay4 Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:5,792 Points:1,326,080 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:47:50 AM Ignore jay4 Report Abuse "potentially" hmmmm doesn't sound reliable.
speedys Champion Author Utah Posts:2,106 Points:1,585,045 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:42:49 AM Ignore speedys Report Abuse I knew darn well there was a coverup.
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,683 Points:620,155 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:37:56 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse Soxxie95...Dont forget, its those big businesses that offer jobs to millions of people in our country and without them, unemployment would be out of control. I agree some of them take advantage of people, but dont lump them and be greatful for the jobs they provide.
ItisAJeepThing Champion Author Tucson Posts:11,645 Points:1,176,130 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:27:08 AM Ignore ItisAJeepThing Report Abuse Now he can start a class action lawsuit against Toyota and make more millions.
Soxxie95 Sophomore Author Twin Cities Posts:125 Points:130,380 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:22:39 AM Ignore Soxxie95 Report Abuse Thats big business for you. They lie cheat and steal all they want and if the little man gets hurt in the process then oh well its not their concern and they go laughing all the way too the bank
computernut2008 Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,671 Points:402,415 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:21:52 AM Ignore computernut2008 Report Abuse The second big problem we have LAWYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GMVAN Champion Author Calgary Posts:1,835 Points:430,005 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:19:29 AM Ignore GMVAN Report Abuse Take the money and run before its to late.
BobD2009 Champion Author Long Island Posts:1,922 Points:266,610 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:13:14 AM Ignore BobD2009 Report Abuse I am not surprised that there was a cover up. Was our Federal DOT in on it?
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,683 Points:620,155 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:12:53 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse I thought maybe we had seen the last of this Toyota soap opera infesting a forum about the current oil and gas prices. Obviously thats not happening.
Naturenut99 All-Star Author Illinois Posts:857 Points:158,325 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:00:16 AM Ignore Naturenut99 Report Abuse Also, aren't there whistle-blower protections?
ashishpa All-Star Author St. Louis Posts:744 Points:168,775 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:55:41 AM Ignore ashishpa Report Abuse One more proof about toyota's improper handling of the quality and just concerned about profits. I really hope sticking to your Toyotas won't kill anyone when the car malfunctions - because if you do, you'll lose your house in civil court for knowingly driving a defective car which contributed to the accident.
Naturenut99 All-Star Author Illinois Posts:857 Points:158,325 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:54:24 AM Ignore Naturenut99 Report Abuse Toyota is the LIAR and THE PROBLEM. The lawyer is a HERO in my book. I agree with "masrod's" statement.
14of45SSR Champion Author Saskatchewan Posts:2,117 Points:475,255 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:53:44 AM Ignore 14of45SSR Report Abuse That lawyer shouldn't be allowed to do such things...he should be charged & have to return his $4 million severance package. Even though he can provide evidence for the people that own Toyotas.
masrod Champion Author Iowa Posts:35,501 Points:1,702,160 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:49:32 AM Ignore masrod Report Abuse For many years Toyota's didn't recall defective cars when they should have. They paid to hush it up to keep their so-called good reputation. How much are lives worth?
sjambok Champion Author Nashville Posts:5,358 Points:1,141,365 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:45:35 AM Ignore sjambok Report Abuse I don't look at a Prius the same way anymore. thankfully, THAT one was in front of me.
greenfog Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,734 Points:677,650 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:39:58 AM Ignore greenfog Report Abuse with as much as this info may cost toyota, i am surprised that toyota officials through a untraceable chain of course, hasn't had this guy taken out.
EcoVore Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,124 Points:331,145 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:29:58 AM Ignore EcoVore Report Abuse A company selling a defective product that threatens life due to their negligence/ subterfuge, does owe the consumer something, & if causes death the surviving affected relatives as well. Toyota will pay & pay dearly & fix their mistakes or pay someone to do it!
96sc1 Champion Author El Paso Posts:5,577 Points:731,715 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:27:21 AM Ignore 96sc1 Report Abuse Toyota should have Biller arrested for industrial espionage
jadeusa Champion Author Dallas Posts:4,291 Points:876,385 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:26:35 AM Ignore jadeusa Report Abuse Simple - subpoena the records since they probably contain factual info that is needed on evaluating safety reports.
WhiteTreeIndian Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,108 Points:212,370 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:24:23 AM Ignore WhiteTreeIndian Report Abuse Toyote doesn't owe anyone anything. You bought one, they gave you one. FIX IT YOURSELF if you want to.
Mooseman1 Champion Author Manitoba Posts:5,561 Points:935,620 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:23:56 AM Ignore Mooseman1 Report Abuse Now let's see now Toyota handles it.
craigsf38 Champion Author Rochester Posts:1,302 Points:551,825 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:23:17 AM Ignore craigsf38 Report Abuse Greed.