Wamego Wastewater Op Accused of Toxic River Dump

TOPEKA, KAN – A Kansas wastewater treatment plant operator is facing the music after a federal indictment revealed a pattern of alleged environmental negligence and outright fraud. David Schleif, 47, of Belvue, Kan., stands accused of deliberately polluting the Kansas River with untreated or inadequately treated sewage, a blatant disregard for both public health and the law.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the alleged dumping occurred between May 2017 and August 2019. Schleif, as an operator of the Wamego Wastewater Treatment Facility, was responsible for ensuring the proper treatment and disposal of waste. Instead, prosecutors claim he opted for a cheaper, dirtier route – releasing raw sewage into a major waterway.

But the alleged crimes don’t stop there. Schleif is also facing a whopping 19 counts of falsifying discharge monitoring reports. These reports, submitted to regulatory agencies, are meant to provide an accurate picture of the facility’s performance. Instead, the indictment alleges Schleif deliberately skewed the numbers, reporting artificially low levels of biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and E. coli. This deception concealed the true extent of the pollution and shielded him from scrutiny.

If convicted on the discharge count, Schleif could face up to three years in federal prison. Each of the 19 falsification counts carries a potential sentence of up to two years behind bars and a fine of up to $10,000 – meaning he could be looking at a lengthy stretch if found guilty. The Environmental Protection Division – Office of Criminal Investigations spearheaded the investigation, highlighting the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating environmental crimes.

In a separate indictment, Angelica Maria Alvarez, 38, of Topeka, Kan., is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The alleged crime took place on January 27, 2020, in Shawnee County, Kan. Alvarez faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $10 million if convicted. The U.S. Postal Service investigated this case.

It’s crucial to remember that these are indictments, and all defendants – including Schleif and Alvarez – are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the allegations paint a grim picture of potential environmental damage and criminal activity within the state. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney will prosecute the Schleif case, while Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is handling the Alvarez prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases and bring you the unvarnished truth as it unfolds.