Georgetown County, SC – Larry Hanna is once again facing scrutiny for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, continuing a pattern of environmental disregard dating back to 1995. The latest incident, uncovered by GrimyTimes, involves the illegal placement of fill material on a property adjacent to a previously impacted site, raising concerns about Hanna’s repeated defiance of federal environmental regulations.
According to court documents, Hanna purchased a lot under the name of Jolly, Inc. and subsequently directed the delivery of approximately 500 cubic yards of fill material to the property. The delivery driver stated Hanna indicated the fill was intended to create a stable surface, ostensibly for construction of a residence. However, investigators believe the placement of the fill constitutes an unpermitted discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States, violating federal law.
This is not Hanna’s first encounter with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criminal enforcement program. On April 26, 1995, Hanna was initially charged with three counts of violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A)), specifically for knowingly violating the Act’s provisions. The current violation is particularly troubling given its proximity – roughly 300 yards – to the site of his prior offense, suggesting a deliberate disregard for both the law and the environment.
Previous Conviction & Penalties
In December of 1995, Hanna pled guilty to one count of the aforementioned Clean Water Act violation. He was sentenced to five years of probation, a hefty $50,000 fine, and was also mandated to cover the costs associated with restoring the damaged property. Despite these penalties, Hanna appears to have resumed similar activities, prompting renewed investigation and potential further legal action.
Legal Ramifications
The Clean Water Act, established to protect the nation’s waterways, prohibits the discharge of pollutants without a permit. Section 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) specifically addresses *knowing* violations, carrying significant criminal penalties. These can include substantial fines and imprisonment. The EPA takes these violations seriously, particularly when they involve repeat offenders like Hanna, who demonstrate a consistent pattern of non-compliance.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Larry Hanna
- Location: Georgetown County, South Carolina
- Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A) – Clean Water Act (Knowingly Violating)
- Fill Material: Approximately 500 cubic yards illegally dumped.
- Prior Conviction: Hanna was convicted of a Clean Water Act violation in 1995 and sentenced to 60 months probation, a $50,000 fine, and restoration costs.
- Proximity: Current violation is located approximately 300 yards from the prior violation site.
GrimyTimes is continuing to investigate this case and will provide updates as they become available. The EPA has not yet issued a statement regarding potential charges in connection with this latest incident, but sources indicate that a criminal investigation is underway. The question remains: will a repeat offender finally face consequences sufficient to deter further environmental damage?
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Explorer Pipeline Company Fined for Clean Water Act Violation, Hunt… · Florida
- Albert Dickson, Making a False Statement Under the Clean Water Act,… · U.S. Virgin Islands
- International Petroleum Corporation of Delaware, Clean Water Act Vi… · Delaware
- Ticketmaster, Antitrust Violation, New York NY, 2023 · Nevada
- Abrams Sentenced 72 Months for $1.1M Clean Energy Scheme · Pennsylvania
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime