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Crime Boss Sentenced to Slap on the Wrist
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – In a disturbing case of corporate negligence, John Wilhelm Myre, 55, of Garretson, South Dakota, has pleaded guilty to negligent endangerment under the Clean Air Act, announced U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson.
According to the plea agreement, Myre admitted that between January 25 and 29, 2013, he was the supervisor of approximately five laborers for Dakota Southern Railroad. While the employees were working in Kamiah, Idaho, Myre directed them to use acetylene cutting torches to cut apart steel beams from an old railroad trestle. These steel beams were painted with lead-based paint. When the paint was burned by the torches it became volatilized and released lead compounds into the air. One of the workers was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with acute lead poisoning.
The charge of negligent endangerment pursuant to the Clean Air Act is punishable by up to one year in prison, a maximum fine of $100,000, and five years’ probation.
Myre will be sentenced on June 17, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
This is a clear case of corporate greed and negligence. The fact that one of the workers was taken to the hospital with acute lead poisoning is a stark reminder of the dangers of lax workplace safety standards.
The Environmental Protection Agency must do more to protect workers from corporate negligence. This case highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement of existing laws to protect workers from harm.
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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