James Tassin, Clean Water Act Violation, Louisiana 2016

New Orleans, LA - James Tassin, a 50-year-old man from Harvey, has been charged with violating the Clean Water Act in connection with a 2016 oil spill.

According to a bill of information, Tassin negligently discharged a harmful quantity of oil into a navigable water of the United States, upon adjoining shorelines, and affecting the United States' natural resources. The spill took place on September 5, 2016, on the edge of Bay Long near the Chenier Ronquille barrier island, which is east of Grand Isle.

If convicted, Tassin faces up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and up to one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. A bill of information is merely a charge, and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Commerce's Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

Tassin's alleged crime occurred on September 5, 2016, in Louisiana. If convicted, he will face a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $100,000.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Commerce's Office of Inspector General investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is prosecuting the case, which is ongoing.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/harvey-man-charged-clean-water-act-violation-2016-oil-spill