Portland, OR – Angelica Dawn Yarnell was sentenced in November 2007 following a guilty plea connected to a large-scale copper theft ring operating in Oregon. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and federal authorities, revealed a disturbing link between property crime and environmental contamination, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of illicit activities.
Over a six-month period beginning in July 2007, Yarnell and her associates are believed to have stolen approximately 44,000 pounds of copper wire from both federal and state properties. The operation wasn’t simply about the value of the copper itself; investigators uncovered evidence tying the group to methamphetamine production. The stolen wire was stripped of its insulation in remote forested areas, a practice that created a significant environmental hazard.
Environmental Fallout
The burning of the wire insulation to expose the copper released dangerous levels of lead into the surrounding environment. Tests of the resulting ash revealed concentrations exceeding 500 parts per million (ppm) of lead – a staggering figure when compared to the legal land disposal limit of 5 ppm. This contamination poses a direct threat to public health and requires costly remediation efforts by federal land management agencies.
The EPA’s criminal enforcement case focused on Yarnell’s role in the conspiracy, demonstrating how seemingly simple property crimes can have severe ecological repercussions. The agency has increasingly targeted crimes with environmental consequences, recognizing the long-term damage and financial burden they impose on communities.
Legal Ramifications
Yarnell was initially charged on July 11, 2007, with one count of conspiracy to damage energy facilities, violating 18 U.S.C. 271 and 18 U.S.C. 1366(b), as well as violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6928(e). She ultimately pled guilty and received a sentence of two months of home detention, along with a 60-month probationary period. In addition to the criminal penalties, Yarnell was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee and $11,035 in restitution to Portland General Electric and the Bonneville Power Administration, covering a portion of the costs associated with the damage and cleanup.
Looking Ahead
While Yarnell’s case is closed, the EPA continues to pursue environmental crimes, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that endanger public health and the environment. The case serves as a stark reminder that criminal activity doesn’t exist in a vacuum and can have lasting, detrimental effects beyond the immediate financial loss.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Angelica Dawn Yarnell
- Location: Oregon
- Year: 2008
- Crime: Large-scale copper theft linked to methamphetamine production and environmental contamination.
- Stolen Copper: Approximately 44,000 pounds.
- Environmental Impact: Ash containing lead concentrations over 500 ppm (legal limit is 5 ppm).
- Laws Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1366(b), 42 U.S.C. 6928(e), 18 U.S.C. 271
- Penalties: 2 months home detention, 60 months probation, $100 fee, $11,035 restitution.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Parthava Behesht Nejad, Welfare Benefits Theft, Oregon 2017 · Alabama
- Oluwole Oluwaseun Odunowo, Identity Theft Tax Evasion, Oregon 2024 · Oregon
- Rebekah Joy Williams, Employee & Tax Theft, Oregon 2024 · Oregon
- Joy Williams, Tax Theft, Oregon 2023 · Oregon
- Emily Chubbuck, Theft of Government Property, Idaho 2023 · Oregon
