Springfield, OR – A four-day search of a 60-acre Lane County property in August 2009 unearthed a shocking array of criminal activity, culminating in the conviction of Arlen Cecil Weller for environmental crimes and theft. The investigation, initiated with a search warrant, revealed an illegal marijuana grow operation, abandoned stolen vehicles deliberately submerged in a man-made pond, and the unlawful burial of both solid and hazardous waste materials.
Authorities descended upon the property on August 4, 2009, acting on undisclosed tips that led them to Weller’s rural spread. What began as a potential drug investigation quickly expanded to encompass a wider range of offenses. Divers were deployed to examine the pond, recovering multiple vehicles confirmed as stolen. Simultaneously, crews began excavating areas of the property where evidence of illegal dumping was apparent. The scope of the contamination raised immediate concerns for local water quality and potential health risks.
The Lane County District Attorney’s office ultimately charged Weller with 13 counts of violating Oregon state environmental regulations. However, on November 5, 2009, Weller entered a guilty plea to a reduced set of charges: four counts of first-degree theft, one count of second-degree water pollution, and one count of operating an unlawful disposal site. The plea deal appeared to streamline the legal process, acknowledging the severity of the offenses while potentially mitigating a longer sentence.
Legal Ramifications & Sentencing
Weller’s actions directly violated Oregon Revised Statutes pertaining to theft, water pollution, and illegal waste disposal. First-degree theft carries significant penalties, potentially resulting in years of incarceration and substantial fines. Second-degree water pollution, while less severe, still carries the threat of imprisonment and financial repercussions. Operating an unlawful disposal site is considered a serious environmental crime, reflecting the long-term damage caused by improper waste management.
On November 10, 2009, Lane County Circuit Court Judge handed down Weller’s sentence: 30 days in jail – credited as time already served due to his detention since the initial arrest – 36 months of probation, and a hefty restitution order of $29,591 to Lane County. The restitution is intended to cover the costs associated with the environmental cleanup and investigation. Notably, a co-defendant, Patrick Weller, also pleaded guilty to theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm, receiving a sentence of 36 months probation.
Ongoing Concerns & Environmental Impact
While Weller has served his time and is under probation, the long-term environmental consequences of his actions remain a concern. The cleanup of the contaminated site is ongoing, and monitoring will be required to ensure the land and water resources are fully restored. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligent environmental enforcement and the devastating impact that illegal dumping and pollution can have on communities.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Arlen Cecil Weller
- Location: Springfield, Oregon (Lane County)
- Date of Arrest: August 4, 2009
- Charges: 4 counts First-Degree Theft, 1 count Second-Degree Water Pollution, 1 count Operating an Unlawful Disposal Site
- Sentence: 30 days incarceration (time served), 36 months probation, $29,591 restitution
- Evidence Discovered: Illegal marijuana grow, stolen vehicles in a pond, illegally buried solid/hazardous waste
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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- Arlen Weller, Environmental Crime, OR 2010 · New York
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- Anthony Richardi, Environmental Crime, CT 2007 · Connecticut
- John Wayne Mikel, Environmental Crime, OR 2007 · New York
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