St. Louis, MO – Jason M. Becks was sentenced to over a year in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $30,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to illegally abandoning hazardous waste, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced. The case, stemming from events in early 2008, highlights the serious consequences of improper hazardous waste disposal and underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations.
According to court documents, Becks was contracted in January 2008 to perform an environmental site assessment at Economy Tire, Inc. in St. Louis. As part of this assessment, he was tasked with removing six 55-gallon drums from the property for a fee of $600. Instead of properly disposing of the drums, Becks transported them to an undisclosed location and abandoned them, leaving the EPA responsible for the costly cleanup.
Investigation and Indictment
The EPA’s investigation quickly uncovered Becks’s illicit actions. On April 3, 2008, he was indicted on two counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the knowing treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste without a permit. The indictment alleged that Becks knowingly disregarded proper waste handling procedures, creating a potential environmental hazard.
Plea and Sentencing
Becks ultimately pleaded guilty to both counts in May 2008. On August 7, 2008, he appeared before a federal judge and received a sentence of 12 months and one day of imprisonment. In addition to the jail time, Becks was ordered to pay $29,000 in restitution to the EPA to cover the expenses incurred in cleaning up the abandoned drums. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
RCRA and Environmental Enforcement
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the nation’s primary law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Violations of RCRA can result in significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division actively investigates individuals and companies that knowingly violate environmental laws, aiming to deter future offenses and protect public health and the environment.
GrimyTimes Investigative Notes
This case serves as a stark reminder that shortcuts in environmental compliance carry severe consequences. The abandonment of hazardous waste not only poses a direct threat to the environment and human health but also places a financial burden on taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill for cleanup efforts. The EPA continues to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of individuals who prioritize profit over responsible waste management.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Jason M. Becks
- Crime: Illegal abandonment of hazardous waste (RCRA violation)
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Year: 2008
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)
- Penalty: 12 months and one day imprisonment, $29,000 restitution, 3 years supervised release
- Contract Amount: $600 for drum removal
- Waste Type: Six 55-gallon drums
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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