Bellevue, WA – In 1989, Chorine Kasema Mackenzie Nzau, owner of Washington Environment Pro-Tech, Inc., was sentenced to prison for illegally storing and mishandling hazardous waste, a case that exposed a dangerous disregard for environmental regulations. The investigation, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), began with a simple late rent notice and quickly spiraled into a federal criminal case.
The initial discovery occurred in August 1988 when the owner of a Bellevue mini-storage facility noticed Washington Environment Pro-Tech, Inc. was delinquent on rent payments. Upon accessing the rented units, authorities found approximately 300 55-gallon drums, strongly suspected of containing hazardous waste. This prompted immediate federal intervention, culminating in the arrest of Mackenzie on August 26, 1988, following the execution of four separate search warrants targeting her vehicle, residence, briefcase, and a second self-storage warehouse also rented under her control.
Indictment and Plea
A twelve-count indictment was filed on September 21, 1988, leveling serious charges against Mackenzie. The indictment alleged seven counts of making false statements (violating 18 U.S.C. 1001), four counts of knowingly transporting hazardous waste to an unpermitted facility (violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act – 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1)), and one count of knowingly storing hazardous waste at a facility without a permit (violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)). The charges painted a picture of deliberate circumvention of environmental safeguards.
However, the case didn’t proceed to trial on all counts. On October 28, 1988, Mackenzie entered a guilty plea to a single count: knowingly storing hazardous waste at a facility without a permit, a violation of 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2). This plea likely stemmed from the overwhelming evidence and the severity of the potential penalties under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Sentencing and Restitution
On December 16, 1988, Mackenzie received a 36-month sentence, with all but six months suspended. She was also placed on 36 months of probation. Critically, the court ordered Mackenzie to pay $100,000 in restitution to the EPA to cover the costs associated with cleaning up the hazardous waste and remediating the contaminated mini-storage units. This financial burden underscored the significant economic impact of illegal hazardous waste disposal.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improper hazardous waste management and the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws. While the specifics of the waste contained within the drums remain largely undisclosed in public records, the incident highlighted a clear pattern of negligence and intentional violation of RCRA regulations. The investigation and prosecution demonstrated that individuals and companies attempting to skirt environmental regulations will face consequences.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Chorine Kasema Mackenzie Nzau
- Company: Washington Environment Pro-Tech, Inc.
- Location: Bellevue, Washington
- Discovery: Approximately 300 55-gallon drums of suspected hazardous waste found in unpaid mini-storage units.
- Laws Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
- Sentence: 36 months incarceration (6 months served), 36 months probation, $100,000 restitution.
- Date of Sentencing: December 16, 1988
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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