Larry Evans, Meth Lab Operator, WV 2003

Hamlin, WV – A large-scale methamphetamine operation run by Larry Evans culminated in a 135-month federal prison sentence in 2003, alongside significant environmental violations. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and federal drug enforcement agencies, exposed a network of hazardous waste mismanagement connected to a prolific illegal drug production ring operating in Lincoln and Logan Counties, West Virginia.

Evans, operating out of locations in Hamlin and Amma, West Virginia, wasn’t simply manufacturing methamphetamine; he was also recklessly endangering public health and the environment. Authorities discovered substantial quantities of dangerous chemicals – core components in methamphetamine production – stored improperly in public storage facilities. This practice, deemed a blatant disregard for public safety, violated federal environmental regulations and presented a significant risk of contamination and potential harm to the surrounding communities.

The investigation began to coalesce in August 2002, leading to charges of violating both drug trafficking and hazardous waste laws. Evans was initially charged with five counts under the Drug Abuse Prevention Act (21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1)) and one count of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)), specifically for knowingly treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste without the required permits. The illicit operation wasn’t contained, and evidence suggested ties to several prominent political figures within the region, though those connections weren’t fully explored in the sentencing.

Facing mounting evidence, Evans entered a guilty plea on October 19, 2002, to two counts – one related to the drug offenses and one pertaining to the illegal storage of hazardous waste under RCRA. This plea agreement, while securing a conviction, did little to address the long-term environmental impact of the improperly stored chemicals. Cleanup costs, though not detailed in public records, likely fell to taxpayers.

On December 30, 2002, Judge Robert C. Chambers handed down the sentence: 135 months of incarceration, followed by a 36-month probationary period. While a $200 special assessment fee was levied, notably, no financial fine was imposed. Critics questioned whether the lack of a substantial fine adequately reflected the severity of the environmental damage caused by Evans’ operation and the considerable resources expended in the investigation and potential remediation efforts.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Larry Evans
Location: Hamlin and Amma, West Virginia
Year: 2003
Statutes Violated:
- 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) – Drug Abuse Prevention Act
- 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Sentence: 135 months incarceration, 36 months probation, $200 special assessment.
Evidence of Connections: Alleged links to high-profile political figures in the area.
Hazardous Waste: Large amounts of chemicals used in methamphetamine production were stored in public storage buildings without permits.

The Evans case serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between drug trafficking and environmental crime. It highlights the dangers posed by illegal drug labs and the critical need for robust enforcement of environmental regulations to protect communities from the hazardous consequences of such operations. The case also raises questions about potential political interference and the thoroughness of investigations when high-profile individuals are implicated.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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