Terrell, TX – Dile Kent McNair, owner of Perfection Industries, a metal plating company, was sentenced in May 2005 following a federal investigation into egregious environmental violations and related criminal activity. The case, which began in 2004, revealed a pattern of illegal hazardous waste storage and unlawful discharge of pollutants into the city’s wastewater system. The investigation also uncovered an unrelated firearms charge against McNair.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Perfection Industries, operating two facilities in Terrell, illegally stockpiled at least 35 cubic yards of F019 listed hazardous waste – a classification indicating a dangerous, leachable waste – for a period exceeding 90 days, a clear violation of environmental regulations. Beyond improper storage, the company routinely exceeded permitted levels of pollutants in its wastewater effluent, discharged from the Metro Street facility.
Composite sampling revealed consistent and substantial violations of Perfection Industries’ pretreatment permit. The company was found to be discharging excessive and unpermitted amounts of chromium, zinc, and cyanide – highly toxic substances – into the wastewater stream nearly every day. These violations posed a significant threat to both the environment and potentially public health, prompting the EPA’s criminal enforcement division to intervene.
Legal Ramifications and Penalties
The initial indictment in April 2004 brought eleven felony counts against McNair and Perfection Industries. These included making false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), and violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1311(a)). A related charge of unlawful firearms possession (18 U.S.C. 922) was also leveled against McNair.
Several guilty pleas followed. In July 2004, a co-defendant, Booth, pled guilty to one count of making false statements and received a 12-month probationary sentence and a $100 special assessment fee. McNair himself admitted guilt to the firearms charge in August 2004. Perfection Industries also pled guilty to one count of making false statements. Ultimately, in May 2005, McNair was sentenced to 180 days of home confinement, 36 months of probation, and a $100 special assessment fee. Perfection Industries faced a harsher penalty: 60 months probation, a $400 special assessment fee, and a substantial $150,000 federal fine.
Connections to Other Cases
This case is cross-referenced with the case of William Ray Janicek, suggesting potential related investigations or shared individuals involved in similar environmental or criminal activities. The EPA often highlights these connections to demonstrate a broader pattern of misconduct.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Dile Kent McNair and Perfection Industries
- Location: Terrell, Texas
- Year: 2005
- Violations: Clean Air Act, Mail Fraud, False Statements, Unlawful Firearms Possession, Illegal Hazardous Waste Storage, and Clean Water Act violations.
- Hazardous Waste: At least 35 cubic yards of F019 listed hazardous waste were illegally stored.
- Pollutants: Excessive amounts of chromium, zinc, and cyanide were discharged into wastewater.
- Penalties: McNair received home confinement and probation; Perfection Industries was fined $150,000 and placed on probation.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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