Baltimore, MD – Former chemist David Cohen was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison earlier this year for his role in the illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste at Capital Assay Laboratories, Ltd., a precious metals reclaiming business in Baltimore City. The case, brought forward by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights a disturbing pattern of negligence and willful disregard for environmental and public safety regulations.
According to court documents, Cohen, the previous owner and principal chemist of Capital Assay Laboratories, knowingly allowed the accumulation of dangerous substances including mercury, lead, cadmium, and highly corrosive mixtures of hydrochloric acid and cyanide. The violations occurred while Cohen was still actively involved with the company, prior to John Meighan assuming ownership and presidency. Both men were charged on December 1, 1989, with violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
The EPA’s investigation revealed a blatant disregard for proper hazardous waste management protocols. The lab reportedly failed to adhere to guidelines concerning the safe storage, labeling, and ultimate disposal of these highly toxic materials. Investigators detailed conditions within the facility as posing a significant risk to both human health and the environment. The accumulation of incompatible chemicals created a potential for dangerous reactions, and the improper handling of these wastes threatened contamination of surrounding areas.
While Meighan, the later owner, also pled guilty to the same RCRA violation and received a 36-month sentence, Cohen’s prior position as principal chemist and owner suggests a longer period of non-compliance and responsibility for establishing the hazardous conditions. Sources close to the investigation suggest the EPA focused on both individuals to ensure accountability for the totality of the environmental damage.
Key Facts
- Defendant: David Cohen
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Crime: Illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste
- Statute Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
- Sentence: 33 months incarceration, $50 assessment to Crime Victim’s Fund
- Co-Defendant: John Meighan, owner of Capital Assay Laboratories
The sentencing of both Cohen and Meighan sends a clear message that the EPA will vigorously prosecute those who endanger public health and the environment through the illegal handling of hazardous waste. The RCRA statute aims to cradle-to-grave management of hazardous waste, and this case demonstrates the serious consequences of failing to comply with its mandates. In addition to incarceration, both defendants were ordered to pay a $50 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund, a relatively small penalty considering the potential long-term environmental and health costs associated with this type of criminal activity. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow any potential remediation efforts at the former Capital Assay Laboratories site.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- David Salame, Iran Export Scheme, Maryland, 2023 · Alabama
- David L. Barr, Embezzling Union Funds, Pittsburgh PA, 2023 · Illinois
- Girolamo Curatolo, Oil Waste Dumping Cover-Up, Italy 2024 · Florida
- Orange County Woman, Wire Fraud, Identity Theft, Money Laundering, … · Florida
- Colorado Pair Indicted for Student Loan Scam, Colorado Springs CO, … · Colorado
