Kansas City, KS – John Dillon, co-owner of Environmental Services and Products, Inc., was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on July 16, 2002, following a guilty plea to violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate attempt to conceal the illegal storage of hazardous waste at the company’s Kansas City, Kansas facility.
According to court documents, Dillon and his business partner knowingly misrepresented the conditions at their facility to EPA inspectors. Despite assurances that no hazardous waste was being stored on site, investigators discovered over 80 drums containing ignitable hazardous waste. This blatant disregard for environmental regulations and public safety triggered a federal indictment on June 27, 2001.
The initial indictment charged Dillon and his partner with two counts of violating RCRA – specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) relating to the illegal storage of hazardous waste, and 42 U.S.C. 6928(d) concerning endangering another person – as well as a count of making false statements in violation of Title 18 U.S. Code Section 1001. Prosecutors alleged the false statements were made to deliberately mislead authorities regarding the presence of dangerous materials.
While Dillon ultimately pled guilty to the RCRA storage violation on January 29, 2002, his partner, Amberg, took a different path. Amberg pled guilty to the charge of making false statements on February 4, 2002, with the RCRA charges subsequently dismissed. Amberg received a sentence of 36 months probation, a $2,500 federal fine, and a $100 assessment fee on May 28, 2002. The disparity in sentencing reflects Dillon’s greater involvement in the core environmental violation.
The EPA’s criminal enforcement program plays a crucial role in deterring environmental crimes and holding responsible parties accountable. This case underscores the severe consequences awaiting those who prioritize profit over public health and environmental protection. The presence of improperly stored ignitable waste poses significant risks, including fire, explosion, and potential contamination of soil and water sources. Federal authorities emphasize that concealing such dangers is not only illegal but also puts communities at risk.
Dillon’s sentence of 60 months incarceration, coupled with 36 months of probation and a $100 special assessment, serves as a stark warning to others in the industry. The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to vigorously prosecuting violations of RCRA and related statutes. The investigation demonstrates the agency’s dedication to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safeguarding the health of communities across the nation.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Dillon
- Company: Environmental Services and Products, Inc.
- Location: Kansas City, Kansas
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6928(d), 18 U.S.C. 1001
- Guilty Plea: Dillon pled guilty to violating RCRA storage regulations.
- Sentence: 60 months incarceration, 36 months probation, $100 assessment.
- Co-Defendant: Amberg received 36 months probation and $2,500 fine for making false statements.
- Evidence: Over 80 drums of ignitable hazardous waste were discovered on site despite claims to the contrary.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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