John Camilo Correa, Smuggling, Florida 2011

Miami, FL – John Camilo Correa and three co-conspirators pleaded guilty in 2010 to federal charges stemming from a sophisticated scheme to illegally import ozone-depleting refrigerant gas, R-22, into the United States. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealed a deliberate effort to circumvent environmental regulations for financial gain.

The investigation began in January 2009 when CBP agents flagged a 20-foot container shipment allegedly containing R-134a refrigerant. Preliminary lab tests on a sample cylinder quickly revealed the presence of HCFC-22, or R-22—a substance heavily regulated due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. CBP immediately initiated seizure proceedings and handed the case over to federal investigators. Evidence showed Goodfellas LLC was the importer of record, but lacked the necessary EPA allowances or authorizations to legally bring R-22 into the country.

Further investigation uncovered that Correa, along with Blasdimir Urena, principals of Southern Electric Motors, knowingly orchestrated the scheme. They imported the illegal refrigerant disguised as the more environmentally friendly R-134a, utilizing the business name “Goodfellas LLC” specifically to shield Southern Electric Motors from scrutiny. The pair were aware of EPA regulations but deliberately chose to bypass them. Investigators also identified accomplices – Falcon, owner of a freight forwarding business, and Nova, an employee at a shipping and export company – who knowingly assisted in the illegal imports.

According to court documents, the defendants were each charged with one count of smuggling goods into the United States, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, Section 545 (18 U.S.C. 545). This statute covers the illegal introduction of merchandise into the U.S., carrying penalties including fines and imprisonment. While the defendants avoided prison time, each received a 60-month probationary sentence and were ordered to pay substantial fines.

Sentencing & Fines

On December 29, 2010, Correa received 60 months of probation and was ordered to pay a $3,000 federal fine, in addition to $4,191 in judicially mandated fines. Urena also received 60 months probation and was assessed the same financial penalties. Falcon was sentenced to 60 months probation and a $2,000 federal fine, while Nova received a similar probationary period and was ordered to pay $2,000 in fines, plus the $4,191 in judicially mandated fines. The relatively lenient sentencing has raised questions among environmental watchdogs, who argue that illegal imports of ozone-depleting substances warrant stricter penalties.

Key Facts

• Defendant: John Camilo Correa, Blasdimir Urena, Falcon, Nova
• Crime: Smuggling of HCFC-22 (R-22) refrigerant, an ozone-depleting substance.
• Location: Florida
• Year: 2011 (charges filed 2010, investigation began 2009)
• Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 545
• Method: Illegal imports disguised as R-134a refrigerant, using a shell company (Goodfellas LLC)
• Penalties: 60 months probation and fines ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 plus $4,191 in judicially mandated fines per defendant.

The case highlights the ongoing challenge of enforcing regulations surrounding ozone-depleting substances and the lengths to which individuals will go to circumvent environmental laws for profit. The EPA continues to prioritize criminal enforcement of these regulations to protect the environment and public health.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

White Collar Crime

Marroquin Lopez, Money Laundering, Florida 2025

Jan 15, 2025

White Collar Crime

Michael Mamelli, Sr., Environmental Violations, California 2015

Jun 20, 2014

White Collar Crime

Roert Andrew Roselle, Money Laundering, Nevada 2000

Jan 15, 2000

White Collar Crime

Victor Adebisi, Wire Fraud, Indiana 2022

Jan 15, 2022