Glenn Kelly Johnson, Clean Water Act Violation, Louisiana 2000

New Orleans, LA – Glenn Kelly Johnson, owner and operator of several Louisiana-based utility companies, was sentenced in 2000 following a lengthy investigation into systemic violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and obstruction of justice. The case, which unfolded throughout the late 1990s, revealed a pattern of negligence in wastewater treatment and a deliberate attempt to cover up falsified reports submitted to environmental regulators.

Federal investigators discovered that from 1991 through 1998, Johnson deliberately failed to properly maintain wastewater treatment facilities owned by Johnson Properties, Inc., Utilities Management Services, Inc., Seashore Utilities, Seashore Utilities of Louisiana, Tara, and Thoroughbred Park. Instead of investing in crucial infrastructure repairs, Johnson allegedly diverted customer fees for personal use, resulting in the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater. This negligence created a significant risk to public health and the environment, potentially releasing harmful levels of E. coli and other dangerous microorganisms into local waterways.

The scheme came to light after a former employee, identified as Watkins, came forward with information. However, Johnson attempted to thwart the investigation by offering Watkins a financial incentive to lie to federal investigators about the falsified discharge monitoring reports. This act constituted obstruction of a criminal investigation, adding another layer of seriousness to the charges. Multiple entities were initially indicted in November 1998, including Johnson Properties, Utilities Management Services, and others, all facing conspiracy charges under 18 U.S.C. 371.

The investigation quickly broadened, leading to guilty pleas from multiple individuals and corporations. Watkins pled guilty to conspiracy in September 1999, followed by Johnson Properties, Utilities Management, Seashore Utilities, and related companies in January 2000. These entities were collectively sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a combined total of $1.18 million in federal fines. Rowell, another individual involved, pled guilty to negligent violation of the CWA (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)) and received 40 months probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $2,000 fine.

Johnson himself eventually pled guilty to conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371) and obstruction of a criminal investigation (18 U.S.C. 1510(a)) in February 2000. In June of that year, he was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration, followed by 36 months of probation. The court also ordered him to pay a $500,000 federal fine and $250,000 in restitution. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement actions against those who endanger public health and the environment through deliberate negligence and obstruction.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Glenn Kelly Johnson
State: Louisiana
Year: 2001 (Sentencing concluded in 2000/2001 based on timeline)
Violated Statutes: 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy), 18 U.S.C. 1510(a) (Obstruction of Justice), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) (Clean Water Act Negligent Violation)
Penalties: Johnson received 36 months imprisonment, 36 months probation, $500,000 fine, and $250,000 restitution. Corporate entities received probation and fines totaling $1.18 million.
Scheme: Deliberate neglect of wastewater treatment facilities and falsification of reports, coupled with attempted bribery of a witness.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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