George Lattie Martin, Mail Fraud and Money Laundering, Louisiana 2007

Walker, Louisiana – George (Lattie) Martin, the former president of environmental remediation company Latico, has completed his sentence following a 2008 conviction for illegally disposing of hazardous waste and related financial crimes. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, revealed a deliberate scheme to circumvent environmental regulations for financial gain.

Latico, based in Walker, Louisiana, was contracted to handle PCB-contaminated materials. However, instead of responsibly disposing of the hazardous waste at a permitted facility, Martin directed the company to deposit the PCBs into a local landfill explicitly designated for *non-hazardous* waste. Crucially, the landfill had a strict limit of 50 parts per million (ppm) of PCBs allowed; Latico’s waste exceeded this threshold, posing a significant environmental and public health risk.

The scheme unraveled following an investigation that revealed Martin knowingly falsified documentation and submitted fraudulent claims to Entergy Utility Company, Latico’s client. These false claims concealed the true nature of the waste being disposed of and allowed Latico to secure payment for services performed illegally. Prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating Martin’s direct involvement in the deception, establishing a clear intent to violate environmental regulations and profit from the unlawful disposal.

On March 26, 2007, after a full trial, Martin was found guilty on all 19 counts brought against him. The superseding indictment detailed 8 counts of mail fraud, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1341, and 11 counts of money laundering, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1956(a)(1)(A)(i). The charges stemmed from the fraudulent billing practices and the attempt to conceal the illegal dumping of PCBs.

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Sentencing and Restitution

On December 17, 2007, Judge James J. Brady sentenced Martin to 24 months of incarceration, followed by a 36-month probationary period. In addition to imprisonment, Martin was ordered to pay a $1,900 special assessment fee, a $11,400 federal fine, and a substantial restitution payment of $136,797 to Entergy Utility Company to cover the costs associated with remediating the damage caused by the illegal dumping. The financial penalties reflect the severity of the crimes and the economic harm inflicted upon the victim.

Key Facts

Defendant: George (Lattie) Martin
Company: Latico (environmental remediation)
Location: Walker, Louisiana
Crime: Illegal disposal of PCB-contaminated waste and related financial crimes
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud), 18 U.S.C. 1956(a)(1)(A)(i) (Money Laundering)
Sentence: 24 months incarceration, 36 months probation, $135,697 in fines and restitution.
Waste Violation: Disposing of PCBs exceeding 50ppm in a non-hazardous landfill.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of environmental crime. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of environmental regulations and the prosecution of individuals and companies who prioritize profit over public health and environmental safety. The investigation highlights the importance of proper waste management and the potential repercussions of cutting corners when dealing with hazardous materials.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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