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Biofuel Bosses Indicted For $10M RIN Credit Scam
A Pennsylvania biofuel producer and two of its officers were indicted on conspiracy and false statements charges for participating in a scheme that generated over $10 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) renewable fuels credits.
According to the indictment, Ben Wootton, age 52, of Enola, PA, and Race Miner, age 48, of Buena Vista, Co., were co-owners of Keystone Biofuels, Inc. located in Shiremanstown, PA and later in Camp Hill, PA. Wootton, serving as President of Keystone Biofuels and Miner, serving as Chief Executive Officer, are alleged to have participated in a scheme with other coconspirators to fraudulently claim RIN credits on non-qualifying renewable fuel.
The grand jury alleges that the fuel produced by Keystone did not meet the standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and was placed into commerce despite being “off-spec.” The conspirators also allegedly generated fraudulent documentation and manipulated samples to be sent to laboratories for testing as part of their scheme.
Keystone, Wootton and Miner also allegedly made false entries into an EPA tracking system in violation of the Clean Air Act. The investigation was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The indictment charges Wootton and Miner with conspiracy, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. The crime of false statements is also punishable by up to five years in prison. A fine of up to $250,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a corporation may also be imposed.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart, Trial Attorney Adam Cullman, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The indictment is only an allegation. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime|Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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