Frankfort, KY – Aaron Micah Jamison, former CEO of Micah Group, LLC, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison on September 24, 2020, following a guilty plea earlier that year. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPACID), revealed a complex scheme involving the theft of employee benefits, fraudulent billing to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, and the unlawful storage of hazardous waste.
Jamison, 48, operated Micah Group, a Kentucky-based company providing construction and remediation services, primarily within the energy and environmental sectors. Between March 2016 and October 2016, Jamison admitted to diverting over $30,000 in 401(k) contributions withheld from his employees’ paychecks for personal and business expenses. This theft continued into 2017, where he also failed to remit approximately $4,843.73 in pre-tax health insurance contributions to the company’s insurer.
Fraudulent Billing Practices
The investigation further uncovered a pattern of fraudulent activity related to groundwater monitoring well abandonment projects. Micah Group was contracted by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet to properly close abandoned wells at various locations, including gas stations and convenience stores. Jamison confessed to signing documentation falsely certifying the completion of these abandonments, even when the work hadn’t been performed. This allowed Micah Group to collect payment from the state while ensuring employee payroll, a practice that continued for several years.
Court records indicate that between 2013 and 2017, the total loss to the state resulting from these false representations amounted to approximately $640,000. Jamison acted in concert with co-conspirators to facilitate this scheme, leading to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Hazardous Waste Violations
Beyond the financial crimes, Jamison also pleaded guilty to unlawfully storing hazardous waste at Micah Group’s premises between January 2016 and December 2017. Details regarding the specific type and quantity of hazardous waste remain sealed, but the EPA considers improper storage a serious environmental and public health risk.
Legal Repercussions
Jamison’s sentence reflects the severity of the multiple federal charges. He was convicted under 18 U.S.C. 664 for theft from an employee benefits plan, 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) related to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for unlawful hazardous waste storage, and 18 U.S.C 371 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In addition to the 36-month prison sentence, Jamison will be subject to three years of supervised release upon his release and has been ordered to pay $640,638.31 in restitution to cover the financial losses incurred by the state and affected employees. The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement actions against those who prioritize profit over environmental protection and employee welfare.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Aaron Micah Jamison
- Company: Micah Group, LLC
- State: Kentucky
- Year: 2020
- Stolen 401(k) Funds: Over $30,000
- Unremitted Health Contributions: $4,843.73
- Fraudulent Billing Loss to State: Approximately $640,000
- Prison Sentence: 36 months
- Restitution Ordered: $640,638.31
- Laws Violated: 18 U.S.C. 664, 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), 18 U.S.C 371
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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