Gregory A Kjos, Conspiracy to Damage an Energy Facility, Oregon 2009

Silverton, OR – A network of individuals involved in the illegal burning of stolen government wire in the forests surrounding Silverton, Oregon, received sentencing earlier this year following a federal investigation into hazardous waste violations. The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a scheme that not only resulted in environmental contamination but also posed significant health risks due to the release of lead into the surrounding ecosystem.

According to court documents, the defendants conspired to steal wire – believed to have originated from government facilities – and illegally burn it at multiple remote locations within the forest. This process, employed to recover valuable metals from the wire, released substantial amounts of lead and other hazardous substances into the air, soil, and potentially water sources. The EPA’s investigation uncovered evidence of deliberate attempts to conceal the burning operations, further complicating the environmental cleanup efforts.

On January 10, 2009, Gregory Kjos, along with four other individuals, entered guilty pleas related to the hazardous waste violations and charges of conspiracy to damage an energy facility. The prosecution centered on the defendants’ disregard for federal regulations designed to protect the environment and public health. The illegal burning of the wire was not only a violation of environmental laws but also constituted a threat to the integrity of critical infrastructure, given the wire’s likely origin.

Sentencing varied among the defendants, reflecting the extent of their involvement in the scheme. Gregory Kjos received three years of probation and was ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution. Guss Volk received a one-day jail sentence, two years of probation, and a $1,000 restitution order. Jerry Finlay was sentenced to 4 ½ years of probation and $1,000 in restitution. Michael McLoughlin faced the most severe penalty, with nine months imprisonment, 31 months probation, and $7,702 in restitution. Michael Elstand received three years probation. The restitution amounts are intended to cover the costs associated with environmental remediation and potential health impacts.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Gregory A Kjos, along with Guss Volk, Jerry Finlay, Michael McLoughlin, and Michael Elstand.
Location: Forests surrounding Silverton, Oregon.
Crime: Illegal burning of stolen government wire, releasing hazardous waste.
Statutes Violated: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Penalties: Sentences ranged from probation and restitution to imprisonment, totaling over $20,000 in restitution and nearly two years of combined incarceration.
Date of Sentencing: January 10, 2009.

The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of adhering to hazardous waste regulations and the severe consequences of non-compliance. “This case serves as a stark reminder that environmental crimes will be vigorously prosecuted,” stated an EPA spokesperson. The agency is currently assessing the full extent of the environmental damage and working to implement a comprehensive cleanup plan for the affected areas. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating illegal hazardous waste disposal and protecting vulnerable ecosystems from exploitation.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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