Patrick Brightwell, a 48-year-old man from Bogart, Georgia, pleaded guilty to dumping waste into the Potomac River while he was supposed to be cleaning the National Mall.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Ronald C. Machen Jr., Brightwell directed his workers to dump debris and wastewater into the river from 2009 through 2011. This was in direct violation of the Clean Water Act, which requires businesses to obtain permits before discharging pollutants into the environment.
Brightwell’s company had a contract with the National Park Service to clean the storm water sewer system on the National Mall. Instead of disposing of the waste properly, Brightwell ordered his employees to dump it into the Potomac River.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Park Police investigated the case and discovered that Brightwell’s actions caused significant harm to the environment and the public.
Brightwell pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Clean Water Act and presenting false claims to the U.S. government. He faces a likely sentence of 46 to 57 months in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.
Brightwell has also agreed to pay $270,667 in restitution to the National Park Service for the losses incurred due to his company’s failure to perform the contract as required.
Special Agent in Charge David G. McLeod of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program stated, ‘Businesses and their contractors who flout the nation’s environmental laws will be held accountable.’ The case serves as a reminder that environmental crimes will not be tolerated by law enforcement and the community.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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