Michael A. Wolf, Jr., Tampering with Records, Ohio 2014

Columbus, OH – Michael A. Wolf, Jr., of Ohio, was sentenced in January 2014 following a scheme to defraud the City of Columbus by manipulating wastewater discharge data. The case, stemming from an investigation into WW Transport, a bulk flour transport company, revealed a deliberate effort to bypass environmental regulations and avoid substantial fees.

According to court documents, Wolf, along with co-defendant Scott Seymour, systematically tampered with sampling devices used by the City of Columbus to monitor wastewater discharged from WW Transport’s truck cleaning operations. Wastewater from the cleaning process is supposed to undergo pre-treatment before being released into the city’s sanitary sewer system. Investigators suspected foul play after noticing discrepancies in reported wastewater quality.

The City of Columbus responded by installing a covert video camera, which captured Wolf and Seymour on multiple occasions actively manipulating the city’s sampling equipment. Seymour later confessed to investigators that the tampering was a direct result of the company’s pre-treatment system being unable to handle the volume of wastewater generated. By pulling the sampling hose, they allowed untreated wastewater to discharge undetected, effectively concealing violations of established environmental standards.

This illicit practice allowed WW Transport to avoid paying fees associated with high levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) – key indicators of water pollution. The financial incentive for the deception was significant, ultimately costing the City of Columbus $36,793.11 in unpaid fees. The investigation revealed a calculated effort to prioritize profit over environmental responsibility.

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Legal Ramifications

Wolf pleaded guilty to two counts of Tampering with Records (a 3rd-degree felony) and one count of Theft (a 4th-degree felony). On January 23, 2014, he was sentenced to six months in jail, with an additional 84 months suspended. He is also required to pay $36,793.11 in restitution to the City of Columbus. Seymour received a suspended 36-month jail sentence, the same restitution order, and 36 months of community control. Both men were subject to five years of community control following their sentences.

Key Facts

Defendant: Michael A. Wolf, Jr. and Scott Seymour
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Company Involved: WW Transport
Crime: Tampering with wastewater sampling equipment and Theft
Statutes Violated: Ohio state laws pertaining to tampering with records and theft.
Restitution: $36,793.11 to be paid to the City of Columbus.
Penalties: Wolf received 6 months jail (mostly suspended) and 5 years community control. Seymour received a suspended 36-month jail sentence and 36 months of community control.

The case highlights the importance of diligent monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations, as well as the potential for significant financial and environmental damage when companies prioritize profits over compliance. The City of Columbus’s proactive investigation and use of surveillance technology were instrumental in uncovering the scheme and holding those responsible accountable.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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