Kevin J. Nice, Hazardous Waste Disposal, WA 1991

Olympia, WA – In a landmark case marking the first ever criminal environmental charges filed in the State of Washington, Kevin J. Nice was sentenced in February 1991 following a guilty plea related to the illegal disposal of hazardous waste. The case, brought forth by the Washington Department of Ecology, sent a clear message that environmental crimes would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The investigation began in May 1990, leading to charges of property endangerment against both Nice and his co-defendant, Jeffrey A. Gordon. Authorities alleged the pair knowingly and illegally disposed of hazardous materials, creating a significant risk to public health and the environment. The specific statute violated was RCW 70.105.085, a Washington state law pertaining to the proper handling and disposal of dangerous waste.

Gordon was the first to face the music, entering a guilty plea in June 1990. His sentencing in August saw him receive a 30-day jail sentence, coupled with a 12-month probation period. He was also ordered to complete 88 hours of community service and provide restitution to the state for the damages caused by the illegal dumping. The relatively lenient sentence for Gordon likely influenced Nice’s decision to also plead guilty.

Nice followed suit in February 1991, admitting guilt to one count of property endangerment. However, his penalty was considerably harsher than Gordon’s. On February 25th, Judge [Name of Judge not provided in data] sentenced Nice to 90 days incarceration, 12 months of probation, and a significant financial burden. He was ordered to pay $10,341.70 in restitution to the state, alongside a $100 special assessment fee. The increased severity of Nice’s sentence may reflect a perceived greater level of culpability or a desire to further deter future offenses.

While the specific nature of the hazardous waste remains undisclosed in available records, the case highlights the growing concern over illegal dumping practices and the potential dangers they pose. This prosecution demonstrated Washington State’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding individuals accountable for actions that threaten public safety and ecological integrity. The Department of Ecology continues to investigate and pursue individuals and entities engaged in similar unlawful activities.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Kevin J. Nice
Co-Defendant: Jeffrey A. Gordon
State: Washington
Year: 1991
Statute Violated: RCW 70.105.085 (Property Endangerment – Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal)
Gordon’s Sentence: 30 days incarceration, 12 months probation, 88 hours community service, restitution.
Nice’s Sentence: 90 days incarceration, 12 months probation, $10,341.70 restitution, $100 special assessment.
Significance: First criminal environmental charges filed in Washington State.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and provide updates as they become available.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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