Kansas City, MO – Nathan Brinkle, a Missouri construction contractor, received 60 months of probation in 2010 for his role in a complex scheme involving the illegal dumping of hazardous waste and the defrauding of federally subsidized housing funds. The case, investigated jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG), revealed a deliberate effort to cut corners and enrich individuals at the expense of environmental safety and taxpayer dollars.
Between October and November 2005, Brinkle supervised a crew that transported barrels of hazardous waste generated from renovations at several St. Louis apartment complexes. Instead of proper disposal, these drums were illegally dumped on a hillside near a tributary of the Little Blue River in Jackson County, Missouri. The waste originated from projects undertaken by Brinkle Construction Company, which had secured contracts from AIMCO – a property management company – for renovation work funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The investigation uncovered a network of kickbacks paid by Brinkle to Christopher Grimsley, a HUD employee, in exchange for favorable consideration and award of the lucrative renovation contracts. This quid pro quo arrangement formed the core of the fraud, allowing Brinkle to underbid competitors and then circumvent environmental regulations to maximize profits. The dumped hazardous waste posed a significant threat to local waterways and potentially to public health.
Legal Violations and Penalties
Brinkle was initially charged with violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) for knowingly violating hazardous waste regulations. He also faced charges under Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, including 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) and 18 U.S.C. 1341 (mail fraud). While Brinkle received a 60-month probation sentence and no fine, several co-conspirators faced additional penalties including jail time and substantial restitution orders.
Ripple Effect of Justice
The investigation extended beyond Brinkle, ensnaring several other individuals involved in the scheme. Timothy Rowland, Bernie Belcher, Christopher Childers, Thomas Villirillo, JoDen Napper, and Jamie Grimsley all pled guilty to various charges, including conspiracy and fraud. Rowland, Belcher, Childers, Villirillo, and Grimsley all received probation and were ordered to pay restitution totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars to AIMCO, CRES Management, and MAXUS – the companies impacted by the fraudulent scheme. Napper received a 12-month and one-day prison sentence and was ordered to pay $355,749 in restitution. The restitution payments were intended to cover the costs of cleanup and remediation related to the illegal dumping and the financial losses incurred by the defrauded companies.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Nathan Brinkle
- Crime: Illegal Hazardous Waste Dumping & Fraud
- Location: Jackson County, Missouri
- Years Active: 2005-2013
- Statutes Violated: RCRA (42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A)), 18 U.S.C. 1341
- Kickback Scheme: Brinkle paid kickbacks to a HUD employee for contracts.
- Restitution Total: Over $800,000 ordered in restitution to affected companies.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of environmental crime and the importance of rigorous oversight of federally funded projects. The EPA and HUD continue to prioritize investigations into such schemes, aiming to protect both the environment and the integrity of public funds.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
