Laurel, Mississippi – Jason Hathorn was sentenced to a year in jail and four years of probation in 2009 for the illegal dumping of hazardous waste, a case brought to light by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The incident, which occurred in late 2006, involved the improper disposal of over twenty 55-gallon drums containing components of urethane foam used in roofing materials.
According to court documents, Hathorn, along with accomplice Michael Walker, were hired by the owner of the Northgate Apartments in Laurel to remove the drums. The waste had been accumulating at the apartment complex for over a decade, originating from a Texas-based roofing business. Hathorn and Walker were allegedly paid $1,000 for their services, with instructions from the owner on how to mix and dispose of the chemicals – instructions they ultimately ignored.
Instead of proper disposal, Hathorn and Walker abandoned several drums in public spaces. One drum was unceremoniously dumped on the side of University Avenue in Laurel. Three additional drums were left concealed under a bridge near the Northgate Apartments. They also temporarily stored remaining drums at a friend’s property, intending to follow the owner’s instructions later, but never returned to retrieve the abandoned waste. The leaking drums posed a significant environmental and public health risk, necessitating a costly cleanup operation by the MDEQ.
Investigation and Prosecution
The MDEQ initiated an investigation after discovering the abandoned drums. The investigation quickly revealed Hathorn and Walker’s involvement. Hathorn was indicted on March 2, 2009, on one count of violating Mississippi state environmental regulations. He subsequently pled guilty to the charge. The specific statutes violated were not publicly detailed in available case records, but centered around illegal waste disposal and potential environmental contamination.
Sentencing and Aftermath
On October 15, 2009, Hathorn received a 12-month incarceration sentence, followed by a 48-month probationary period. No fine was levied against him. The MDEQ was forced to contract an environmental cleanup company to remove and properly dispose of the hazardous materials, incurring significant expenses. The incident highlights the dangers of improper hazardous waste handling and the potential for environmental damage when regulations are disregarded.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Jason Hathorn
- Location: Laurel, Mississippi
- Date of Offense: December 2006
- Crime: Illegal dumping of hazardous waste (urethane foam components)
- Victim: The environment and the public health of Laurel, MS
- Penalty: 12 months incarceration, 48 months probation
- Statutes Violated: Mississippi State Environmental Regulations
- Note: Michael Walker’s legal outcome was not available at the time of this report.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime cases and provide updates as they become available.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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