Cody Tuma, Conspiracy, Louisiana 2011

Shreveport, LA – Cody Tuma, along with his father, John Tuma, were at the center of a significant environmental crime case in Louisiana, culminating in a multi-year investigation and sentencing in 2013. The case revolved around illegal discharges of untreated wastewater from Arkla Disposal Services Inc., a facility in Shreveport responsible for treating wastewater from industrial and oilfield operations. While John Tuma faced a jury trial, Cody Tuma ultimately accepted a plea deal, avoiding a lengthy prison sentence but contributing to the unraveling of the scheme.

Arkla Disposal Services Inc., operating at 10845 Highway 1 South, was contracted to treat wastewater before discharging it either into the Shreveport public sewer system or directly into the Red River. However, federal investigators discovered a pattern of deliberate violations of environmental regulations. The Tumas were accused of not only bypassing the treatment process and discharging untreated wastewater directly into the Red River without the required permits, but also of exceeding permitted discharge levels into the city’s sewer system. This posed a substantial risk to both the environment and public health.

The investigation, spearheaded by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, revealed a concerted effort to skirt environmental regulations and cut corners, prioritizing profit over compliance. Evidence presented showed that the Tumas knowingly violated the Clean Water Act and actively obstructed an EPA inspection, attempting to conceal the illegal discharges. The obstruction charge stemmed from efforts to mislead investigators about the facility’s operations and the true nature of the wastewater being released.

On February 23, 2011, both Cody and John Tuma were indicted on multiple federal charges. Cody Tuma pled guilty to all six counts: one count of conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371), three counts of violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1311 and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – knowing violation), and one count of obstruction of justice (18 U.S.C. 1505). His cooperation likely played a role in the prosecution of his father.

While Cody Tuma received a sentence of 60 months probation on June 20, 2012, with no fine imposed, his father faced a more severe penalty. On March 21, 2012, John Tuma was convicted by a federal jury. Ultimately, on December 5, 2012, U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg sentenced John Tuma to 60 months of incarceration, followed by 36 months of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a substantial $100,000 criminal fine. The penalties reflect the seriousness of the offenses and the intent to deter future environmental crimes.

Key Facts

Defendant: Cody Tuma & John Tuma
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Crime: Illegal discharge of untreated wastewater, obstruction of EPA inspection
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371, 33 U.S.C. 1311, 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), 18 U.S.C. 1505
Penalties: Cody Tuma – 60 months probation. John Tuma – 60 months incarceration, 36 months supervised release, $100,000 fine
Company: Arkla Disposal Services Inc.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of environmental compliance and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over the protection of waterways and public health. The Department of Justice and EPA continue to prioritize the prosecution of environmental crimes to ensure accountability and safeguard the nation’s natural resources.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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