Mark Derrick, Hazardous Waste Storage, Ohio 2015

Norwood, OH – Jets Realty Group LLC, a Hamilton County real estate firm, has been sentenced following a guilty plea to charges of illegally storing hazardous waste at a property in Norwood, Ohio. The case, brought forward by state environmental regulators, reveals a pattern of unauthorized storage stretching back to 2008.

According to court documents, Mark Derrick, President and owner of Jets Realty Group LLC, authorized, tolerated, and/or directed the storage of hazardous waste at 2511 Highland Avenue between July 2008 and January 26, 2010. Critically, the property was not licensed to handle such materials, representing a clear violation of state environmental regulations. The nature of the hazardous waste has not been publicly disclosed, though authorities confirmed the presence of materials requiring specialized handling and disposal.

The investigation, which spanned several years, culminated in charges being filed against the defendants on October 27, 2014. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) played a key role in gathering evidence and building the case, focusing on the potential risk to public health and the environment posed by the improper storage. Sources within the EPA suggest the site posed a significant threat of soil and water contamination had the situation been left unaddressed.

On December 15, 2014, Jets Realty Group LLC entered a guilty plea, accepting responsibility for the violations. The sentencing, handed down on January 28, 2015, included a 12-month probationary period, a $10,000 state fine, and $1,500 in restitution. The restitution is believed to cover costs associated with the assessment and remediation of the Highland Avenue property, though the full extent of cleanup efforts remains unclear.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Jets Realty Group LLC
Location: 2511 Highland Avenue, Norwood, Hamilton County, Ohio
Timeframe of Violation: July 2008 – January 26, 2010
Statutes Violated: State Environmental Regulations (specifics not publicly released)
Penalty: 12 months probation, $10,000 fine, $1,500 restitution
Defendant Role: Mark Derrick, President and owner, authorized/tolerated/directed the illegal storage.

GrimyTimes is continuing to investigate the specifics of the hazardous waste stored at the Norwood location and the full scope of the environmental impact. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by state environmental agencies in enforcing regulations and holding companies accountable for potentially dangerous practices. The lack of specific details regarding the type of hazardous waste raises questions about transparency and the thoroughness of the investigation, which we will continue to pursue.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper hazardous waste management and the potential consequences for those who disregard environmental regulations. The Ohio EPA encourages anyone with information about illegal waste disposal to report it immediately.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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