ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Linda A. Knox, 50, of Marshall, North Carolina, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison on October 23, 2012, after pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud. The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI), revealed a five-year scheme where Knox falsified water sampling results for over 100 clients across Western North Carolina.
Knox operated “If It’s Water & More,” a company contracted to ensure the safety of water systems for a diverse range of clients including public parks, churches, restaurants, schools, and medical centers. Between 2005 and 2010, investigators discovered Knox routinely failed to conduct necessary water tests, and in some instances, substituted tap water for actual water samples collected from client properties. A private laboratory subcontracted to analyze samples in 2007 found *all* submitted samples to be fraudulent.
The fraudulent scheme endangered public health by potentially allowing unsafe water sources to go undetected. Clients relied on Knox’s company to provide accurate data to comply with environmental regulations and safeguard the wellbeing of those who utilized the water – including students, patients, and the general public. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina emphasized the significant risk posed by Knox’s actions, potentially impacting “hundreds or thousands of individuals.”
Legal Ramifications
Knox was convicted of violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code Section 1341, which pertains to mail fraud. This federal statute carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Judge Martin Reidinger ultimately sentenced Knox to 33 months incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Knox was ordered to pay $22,056 in restitution to compensate her victims for the costs associated with retesting and ensuring water safety.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), the NC SBI’s Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit, and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Public Water Supply Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven R. Kaufman led the prosecution, demonstrating a commitment to holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes that jeopardize public health.
A Warning to Others
Officials from both the EPA and NC SBI issued statements underscoring the severity of falsifying environmental data. Maureen O’Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA-CID, stated that such actions “undermine the government’s efforts to protect the public and the environment.” Greg McLeod, Director of the NC SBI, emphasized the potentially dangerous consequences of compromised water quality and pledged continued collaboration with partners to enforce the law.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Linda A. Knox
- Crime: Mail Fraud (falsifying water sampling results)
- Location: Western North Carolina
- Years Active: 2005 – 2010
- Victims: Over 100 clients, including parks, schools, restaurants, and medical facilities
- Sentence: 33 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $22,056 restitution
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. § 1341
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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