Kenny David Champ, Environmental Crime, Alaska 2012

Anchorage, AK – A routine environmental investigation into the operations of Royal Flush Septic Pumping spiraled into a complex case involving narcotics, illegal firearms, and fraudulent business practices, culminating in the 2012 conviction of owner Kenny David Champ. The initial probe, conducted by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), uncovered far more than just environmental violations, revealing a clandestine marijuana grow operation and a pattern of deceit.

On December 9, 2011, authorities executed a search of a tanker truck on Champ’s property, acting on allegations of environmental crimes. The search quickly expanded beyond waste disposal regulations, leading to the discovery of an indoor marijuana grow. This revelation prompted the U.S. Attorney’s Office to indict Champ on federal drug and weapons charges, effectively broadening the scope of the investigation.

The charges against Champ were extensive. On December 14, 2011, he faced accusations of violating the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act and possessing an unregistered firearm. He was also charged with multiple state offenses, including violations of Alaska Statutes 11.46.03.710 and 11.46.130(a)(1) related to fish and game protection, improper waste disposal, criminal impersonation, obstructing highways, and criminal trespass. A significant portion of the misdemeanor charges stemmed from fraudulent activity connected to his licensed septic pumping and hauling business.

Champ ultimately pled guilty to the federal narcotics and weapons charges on August 1, 2012, receiving a sentence of 28 months incarceration and 60 months of supervised release. However, the legal repercussions didn’t end there. He subsequently entered guilty pleas to charges of polluting land, water, and air, as well as theft. These additional convictions, secured under statutes 26 U.S.C. 5861(d) and 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), resulted in a further 360 days of incarceration, 36 months of probation, and a hefty $10,000 state fine, handed down on August 29, 2012.

The case highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of environmental crime and other illicit activities. What began as a routine inspection of a waste management company uncovered a web of illegal operations, demonstrating the EPA-CID’s crucial role in uncovering broader criminal enterprises. Sources within the investigation suggest that Champ was attempting to circumvent environmental regulations while simultaneously profiting from illegal drug sales and concealing his activities through fraudulent business practices.

The combined sentences demonstrate the seriousness with which both federal and state authorities view these offenses. The case serves as a warning to others attempting to operate outside the law, emphasizing that environmental violations can often be linked to, and expose, a multitude of other criminal behaviors. The investigation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling complex criminal cases.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Kenny David Champ
Location: Alaska
Year: 2012
Federal Charges: Violations of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1)), possession of an unregistered firearm.
State Charges: AS 11.46.03.710, AS 11.46.130(a)(1) (fish and game, waste disposal), criminal impersonation, obstruction, trespass, pollution, and theft.
Sentencing: 28 months federal incarceration + 60 months supervised release; 360 days state incarceration + 36 months probation + $10,000 fine.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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