Cameron Parish, LA – A Louisiana oilman and his company are facing the consequences after illegally dumping oilfield waste into sensitive Louisiana marshlands. Lobdell Percy Brown, owner of T & F Oil Company, and his brother, Carr William Brown, were indicted in 2011 following an investigation into multiple unreported spills and deliberate discharges from the Little Chenier oil production facility in Cameron Parish.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) discovered the illicit activity during a routine inspection. Investigators found a pipe running directly through the containment levee surrounding the Little Chenier facility, clearly indicating the intentional release of wastewater containing chlorides and oil into the surrounding marsh. T & F Oil lacked any permit authorizing such discharges, violating state regulations requiring proper disposal of all exploration and production (E&P) wastes at permitted facilities.
The investigation revealed not only the direct pipeline discharge but also evidence of five additional unreported spills originating from sites within the Little Chenier oilfield. This pattern of negligence and willful disregard for environmental regulations prompted a swift response from the DEQ’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Louisiana Environmental Crimes Task Force. The case was later prosecuted by the Louisiana Attorney General’s office.
Legal Ramifications and Penalties
Lobdell Percy Brown pled guilty on December 11, 2012, to violating Louisiana Revised Statute 30:2076 (L.R.S. 302076). He received a deferred sentence of 72 months probation, a $15,000 criminal fine, $50,000 in restitution to address the environmental damage, and was ordered to cover the $11,080 cost of the DEQ’s investigation. His brother, Carr William Brown, an employee of T & F Oil, also pled guilty on April 16, 2013, and was sentenced to 36 months probation and a $5,000 criminal fine.
Environmental Impact and Official Response
The illegal discharges posed a significant threat to the fragile ecosystem of the Cameron Parish marshlands, an area vital for both wildlife and the local fishing industry. DEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, “Anyone who makes the decision to blatantly pollute our environment will be met with severe legal consequences as a result of that decision.” The successful prosecution serves as a warning to others operating in the oil and gas industry that environmental compliance is paramount.
Key Facts
- Defendant(s): Lobdell Percy Brown, Carr William Brown, T & F Oil Company
- Location: Little Chenier oilfield, Cameron Parish, Louisiana
- Statute Violated: L.R.S. 302076 (Illegal discharge of pollutants)
- Date of Indictment: October 21, 2011
- Penalties (Lobdell Brown): 72 months probation, $15,000 fine, $50,000 restitution, $11,080 investigation costs
- Penalties (Carr Brown): 36 months probation, $5,000 fine
- Waste Type: Oil, chlorides, produced water
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of Louisiana law enforcement to protect the state’s natural resources and hold accountable those who prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. The DEQ continues to investigate potential environmental crimes across the state, working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Baker Hughes, Environmental Violations, Texas 2022 · Oklahoma
- Hot Springs Man Sentenced for PPP UI Fraud, Hot Springs AR, 2023 · Louisiana
- Lara Coleman, $132M Trust Fund Embezzlement, Richmond VA, 2023 · Florida
- Chemtrade Logistics, Chemtrade Refinery Services, and Marsulex Fine… · Ohio
- Dr. Peter Zavell Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Tax Return, Floren… · Florida
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime