Calais, ME – Clyde Eldridge, 65, owner of C&E Feeds in Calais, Maine, has been sentenced to one year of probation and a $5,000 fine for intentionally misleading federal investigators regarding the sale of a restricted pesticide. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., concludes a case stemming from a joint investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environment Canada into the illegal use of cypermethrin.
The investigation began in 2010, focusing on unauthorized applications of cypermethrin, a potent pesticide. EPA Special Agents questioned Eldridge on September 23, 2010, specifically inquiring about his sales of the substance and whether he maintained any records of those transactions. Eldridge claimed he sold varying amounts to different individuals and did not keep any sales logs. However, evidence later surfaced revealing a pattern of repeated sales – approximately ten to eleven – to a regional production manager employed by Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd., a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture.
Crucially, Eldridge *did* maintain detailed records of these sales to the Cooke Aquaculture manager, directly contradicting his statements to federal agents. This deliberate misrepresentation constitutes a violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2), which prohibits knowingly and willfully making false statements to a federal investigator.
Connection to Larger Environmental Crime
The case is closely linked to a larger environmental crime committed by Cooke Aquaculture. In April 2013, Cooke Aquaculture pled guilty in New Brunswick Provincial Court and was fined $490,000 for illegally using pesticides that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of lobsters in waters bordering Maine. The cypermethrin purchased from Eldridge was allegedly used in this unauthorized application, highlighting the potential environmental damage facilitated by Eldridge’s deceptive actions.
Judge’s Remarks
During sentencing, Judge Woodcock emphasized the severity of Eldridge’s offense, stating that he “violated the trust of his fellow citizens” by knowingly supplying a pesticide he believed would be used in violation of Canadian law. The Judge further underscored the seriousness of crimes impacting environmental protection.
Penalties and Prosecution
Eldridge initially pled guilty to the charge on November 19, 2014. The sentencing on April 7, 2015, reflects the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who obstruct investigations into environmental violations. U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II, who led the prosecution, stated the case serves as a warning that false statements to federal investigators will not be tolerated.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Clyde Eldridge, 65
- Location: Calais, Maine
- Crime: Making false statements to federal agents (18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2))
- Pesticide Involved: Cypermethrin
- Victim/Related Entity: Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. (Cooke Aquaculture) – linked to lobster deaths in Canadian waters
- Penalty: One year of probation and a $5,000 fine
- Date of Sentencing: April 7, 2015
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Clyde Eldridge, False Statement, ME 2015 · Vermont
- Mark Elkhorn, Making False Statements to a Federal Agent, Maine 2018 · Maine
- Gerald Elwell, False Statements, VT 1991 · Vermont
- Murray L. Lewis, False Statements, VT 1991 · Vermont
- Emily M. Soule, Falsified MaineCare Treatment Records, Corinna ME, … · Maine
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime