Irving, Texas – In 1993, Metro Technology, Incorporated, a printed circuit board manufacturer, and its owner, Terry W. Jones, were at the center of a criminal investigation that exposed a deliberate scheme to bypass environmental regulations and illegally discharge pollutants into the city’s sewer system. The case, prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act and resulted in both prison time for key individuals and substantial fines for the companies involved.
The investigation began to unravel a sophisticated, albeit reckless, operation where Metro Technology, along with Klein P.C., Inc. – a seemingly separate entity sharing the same warehouse and production line – intentionally circumvented wastewater treatment protocols. According to court documents, employees utilized a clandestine “cheat pipe” to divert untreated wastewater, laden with hazardous materials like copper, tinlead, nickel, and gold, directly into the municipal sewer system. This practice bypassed the legally mandated treatment process designed to remove these dangerous pollutants before they entered the environment.
On September 23, 1992, a grand jury indicted Terry Jones, Mark Jones (a foreman at Metro Technology), and John Klein (owner of Klein P.C., Inc.), along with both companies, on multiple felony counts. The charges included four counts of violating 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), which specifically addresses the knowing violation of the Clean Water Act, and one count of conspiracy, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 371. The indictment alleged a coordinated effort to prioritize cost-cutting over environmental compliance.
After months of legal proceedings, plea agreements were reached in May 1993. Terry Jones pled guilty to all five felony counts, accepting responsibility for orchestrating the illegal dumping. Mark Jones admitted guilt to two misdemeanor counts, while John Klein pled to one felony charge. Both Metro Technology and Klein P.C., Inc. each pled guilty to two felony counts. The remaining charges were dismissed as part of the agreements. The severity of the sentences reflected the deliberate nature of the violations and the potential harm posed to public health and the environment.
Sentencing & Penalties
The court handed down significant penalties. Mark Jones received a 12-month prison sentence followed by 12 months of probation. Terry Jones faced a harsher sentence of 24 months incarceration and 36 months probation. John Klein was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and 12 months probation. On the corporate side, Metro Technology was sentenced to five years of probation and a $5,000 fine. Klein P.C., Inc. received a similar probationary period but was fined $15,000 – a testament to the court’s assessment of their greater involvement and financial capacity.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Metro Technology, Incorporated
- Location: Irving, Texas
- Year: 1993
- Crime: Illegal discharge of pollutants into the sewer system, violating the Clean Water Act.
- Method: Use of a “cheat pipe” to bypass wastewater treatment.
- Laws Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A), 18 U.S.C. 371
- Penalties: Prison sentences for individuals (up to 24 months), fines for companies ($5,000 – $15,000), and probation (up to 60 months).
This case serves as a stark reminder of the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement against those who knowingly endanger the environment and public health for financial gain. The deliberate circumvention of wastewater treatment systems not only violates federal law but also poses significant risks to water quality and ecosystem integrity.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Princess Cruise Lines Ltd, Ocean Pollution, USA 2023 · Florida
- Willie Mitchell, Bank Fraud, Phoenix AZ, 2023 · New York
- Thao Thi Kim Nguyen, Mortgage Fraud, Orange County CA, 2018 · Connecticut
- Sarah Johnson, CARES Act Loan Fraud, Denver CO, 2023 · Washington
- Dr. John Doe Sentenced to 2+ Years for Bribery, O.C. CA, 2024 · Ohio
