Howard J. Goldstein, Obstruction, MD 2001

Baltimore, MD – Howard J. Goldstein, the owner of A&A Waste Oil Company, was sentenced in September 2001 following both an environmental crime and a subsequent obstruction of justice case stemming from a 1996 incident. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and federal prosecutors, revealed a pattern of environmental negligence and deliberate attempts to thwart a federal investigation.

In September 1996, A&A Waste Oil Company illegally discharged approximately 10,000 gallons of oil into the Baltimore sewer system. This act violated the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), causing significant damage and requiring costly cleanup efforts by the City of Baltimore. The initial discharge triggered a grand jury investigation into A&A Waste Oil’s practices.

However, the investigation took a disturbing turn when, between November 1998 and May 1999, Goldstein actively worked to impede the grand jury’s proceedings. He directed the removal and destruction of documents that were legally required to be presented as evidence. Crucially, he also oversaw the deletion of data from the company’s computer systems, clearly intending to conceal potentially incriminating information from federal investigators.

On February 9, 2001, Goldstein was formally charged with one count of obstruction of justice, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1505. He quickly entered a guilty plea on March 7, 2001, acknowledging his deliberate interference with the investigation. The obstruction charge carried significant penalties, reflecting the severity of attempting to undermine the legal process.

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Sentencing and Restitution

On September 7, 2001, Judge Marvin J. Garbis handed down the sentence: 12 months of incarceration, followed by a 24-month probationary period. In addition to the prison term and probation, Goldstein was ordered to pay restitution totaling $36,130 to the City of Baltimore to cover the costs associated with the oil spill cleanup. A federal fine of $30,000 was also levied against him, further emphasizing the gravity of his offenses.

The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to both environmental enforcement and holding individuals accountable for obstructing justice. The combined penalties demonstrate that attempting to cover up environmental crimes will be met with serious consequences, alongside the penalties for the initial offense. This case serves as a cautionary tale for businesses and individuals alike, reinforcing the importance of compliance with environmental regulations and full cooperation with federal investigations.

Key Facts

Defendant: Howard J. Goldstein, owner of A&A Waste Oil Company
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Initial Crime: Illegal discharge of 10,000 gallons of oil into the Baltimore sewer system, violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act)
Obstruction of Justice: Removal/destruction of documents and deletion of computer data intended for a grand jury investigation (18 U.S.C. 1505)
Sentence: 12 months incarceration, 24 months probation
Restitution: $36,130 to the City of Baltimore
Federal Fine: $30,000
Plea: Guilty to obstruction of justice

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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