Miami, FL – Arsenio A. Ravelo was sentenced in October 2003 to 18 months probation for illegally dumping construction debris into a critical wetland area designated for the Everglades Restoration Project. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, highlights ongoing efforts to protect federally-owned lands from environmental crimes.
According to court documents, Ravelo disposed of approximately 100 cubic yards of construction and demolition waste – including plastics and general refuse – directly onto lands specifically acquired for the ambitious Everglades Restoration initiative. The dumping occurred sometime prior to the filing of charges, causing damage estimated to exceed $1,000. The Everglades Restoration Project is a comprehensive, multi-billion dollar effort to restore the natural water flow to the River of Grass, vital for both the ecosystem and South Florida’s water supply.
Ravelo was initially charged on June 27, 2003, with a single count of depredation against federal lands, a violation of Title 18 of the U.S. Criminal Code. The charge stemmed from the unauthorized disposal of waste materials on property managed by the federal government for ecological restoration. The EPA’s criminal enforcement program aggressively pursues individuals and companies who illegally damage or pollute federal lands, recognizing the long-term consequences of such actions.
Facing federal prosecution, Ravelo entered a guilty plea on July 25, 2003. This admission of guilt significantly streamlined the legal proceedings. The sentencing hearing, held on October 9, 2003, saw Ravelo receive 18 months of supervised probation. As part of the sentence, the court also mandated 100 hours of community service, requiring Ravelo to contribute directly to efforts benefiting the public. A $100 special assessment fee was also levied.
While the penalties in this case may appear relatively minor, environmental law experts emphasize that these prosecutions serve as a deterrent to future illegal dumping and land degradation. The EPA frequently collaborates with state and local authorities to investigate these crimes, and increasingly utilizes forensic evidence to trace waste back to its source. The agency often prioritizes cases impacting critical ecosystems like the Everglades.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Arsenio A. Ravelo
- Location: Everglades Restoration Project Lands, Florida
- Year: 2004 (charges filed in 2003, sentencing completed in 2003)
- Crime: Depredation of Federal Lands
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. § 1361
- Penalty: 18 months probation, 100 hours community service, $100 special assessment
- Damage Estimate: Exceeded $1,000
- Waste Type: Construction debris, plastics, and general refuse (approximately 100 cubic yards)
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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