Dean Preston Tucker, Insurance Certificate Fabrication, Michigan 2015

LANSING, MI – Dean Preston Tucker, a former Lansing, Michigan insurance agent, was sentenced in March 2015 after pleading guilty to federal charges related to a scheme to fabricate insurance certificates for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs) across the state. The fraudulent documents falsely indicated compliance with federal and state regulations requiring financial assurance in the event of a leak, potentially endangering communities and the environment.

The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), revealed that Tucker, along with co-conspirator Allen P. Chadderdon, created and sold the fake certificates between 2011 and 2013. The scheme targeted gas stations with aging or difficult-to-insure USTs. Instead of upgrading or properly insuring their tanks—a legal requirement meant to cover up to $1 million in cleanup costs and damages—owners opted to purchase the fraudulent documentation to deceive federal and state inspectors.

Undercover operations in the Lansing area successfully exposed the operation. Following the disruption of the scheme, the EPA and the State of Michigan immediately began identifying non-compliant USTs. Gas stations unable to provide valid insurance were temporarily shut down until they could demonstrate compliance. The potential for environmental and public health consequences was significant, with over 30 Michigan cities—including Battle Creek, Ann Arbor, and Detroit—potentially exposed to the risk of leaking tanks and contaminated groundwater.

According to authorities, approximately half of the nation’s population relies on groundwater for drinking water, making the protection of these resources paramount. Leaks from USTs can contaminate both land and water supplies, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment. The deliberate circumvention of safety regulations for financial gain, officials stated, demonstrated a callous disregard for the well-being of Michigan residents.

Tucker pled guilty to violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1519, which prohibits the alteration or fabrication of documents with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the proper administration of a federal agency. He was sentenced to three days of incarceration and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine. His co-conspirator, Allen P. Chadderdon, received a similar sentence.

“This fraud scheme presented a serious risk of harm to many communities across Michigan,” stated U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles, Jr. at the time. “This investigation and criminal case helps ensure that owners and operators of USTs comply with the law and those who knowingly help others evade the law will be brought to justice.” The case highlights the importance of vigilant oversight and enforcement of environmental regulations to protect communities from potential harm.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Dean Preston Tucker
Location: Lansing, Michigan
Years Active: 2011-2013
Crime: Fabricating insurance certificates for underground storage tanks.
Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1519 (False Statements)
Penalty: 3 days incarceration, $20,000 fine
Impact: Exposed over 30 Michigan cities to potential environmental contamination from leaking USTs.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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