Chicago Heights, IL – Brian Brundage, the owner of now-defunct electronic waste “recyclers” Intercon Solutions Inc. and EnviroGreen Processing LLC, was sentenced to three years in federal prison this week for a decade-long scheme to defraud clients and the government. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, revealed a systematic pattern of illegally dumping, stockpiling, and exporting hazardous e-waste while falsely claiming environmentally responsible recycling practices.
From 2005 to 2016, Brundage’s companies contracted with businesses and government entities to properly dismantle and recycle electronic waste. Instead, authorities discovered that thousands of tons of materials – including potentially dangerous components like Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) from older televisions and computer monitors – were diverted from legitimate recycling channels. Brundage knowingly sold these materials to vendors who shipped them overseas, often to countries with lax environmental regulations, or simply dumped them in landfills and massive outdoor stockpiles. The practice not only endangered public health and the environment but also allowed Brundage to pocket substantial profits.
The EPA investigation uncovered that Brundage’s fraud extended beyond environmental crimes to include significant tax evasion. He concealed over $743,984 in income generated from the illicit resale of e-waste. Further, Brundage falsely categorized personal expenses as Intercon business expenses, diverting funds for lavish personal spending. Records show the misappropriated funds were used to pay for a nanny and housekeeper, purchase jewelry, and gamble at a casino in Hammond, Indiana. This deliberate misrepresentation of finances enabled him to avoid paying his fair share of federal taxes.
According to court documents, Brundage admitted in a plea agreement to directing Intercon and EnviroGreen employees to sell the hazardous waste to vendors he knew would improperly dispose of it. The illegal disposal of CRT glass, which contains lead, posed a particularly serious risk to the environment and human health. The EPA emphasized the significant environmental harm caused by Brundage’s actions, highlighting the dangers of improper e-waste handling and disposal. The agency stated that the case serves as a warning to others who attempt to profit from environmental crimes.
Legal Ramifications
Brundage pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud (18 U.S.C. 1343) and one count of tax evasion (26 U.S.C. 7201). In addition to the three-year prison sentence, Judge Robert M. Dow ordered Brundage to pay over $1.2 million in restitution to his victims. The restitution is intended to cover the costs of environmental cleanup and compensate those harmed by his fraudulent practices. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Brian Brundage
- Companies: Intercon Solutions Inc., EnviroGreen Processing LLC
- Location: Chicago Heights, IL & Gary, IN
- Years of Fraud: 2005 – 2016
- Statutes Violated: Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, 26 U.S.C. 7201, 18 U.S.C. 1343
- E-Waste Involved: Thousands of tons of electronic waste, including CRTs containing lead
- Tax Evasion: $743,984 in concealed income
- Restitution Ordered: Over $1.2 million
- Sentence: Three years in federal prison
The Brundage case underscores the growing problem of illegal e-waste dumping and the importance of robust enforcement of environmental regulations. Authorities are urging businesses and consumers to ensure their electronic waste is recycled responsibly through certified facilities to prevent future environmental and financial crimes.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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