Baton Rouge, LA – Nathan C. Redwine, 61, received a suspended three-year prison sentence and five years of supervised probation following a conviction for defrauding the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The sentencing, handed down by 19th Judicial District Court Judge Bonnie Jackson, underscores a growing crackdown on false reporting within the state’s environmental regulatory system.
Redwine was initially arrested in April 2009 by DEQ criminal investigators after submitting falsified documents related to Title V air permit applications. These applications, crucial for ensuring air quality compliance, were falsely certified as having been reviewed and signed by a licensed Professional Engineer. A collaborative investigation involving the DEQ’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, and the Louisiana Professional Engineering & Land Surveying Board revealed Redwine was not, in fact, a licensed engineer.
Investigation Uncovers Pattern of Deception
The investigation revealed Redwine signed off on three separate Title V air permit applications under false pretenses. This allowed his client companies to submit inaccurate information to the DEQ, potentially jeopardizing environmental protections. Authorities emphasize that the deception wasn’t merely a paperwork issue; it directly undermined the integrity of the permitting process and the ability of regulatory agencies to accurately assess environmental risks.
Penalties and Probationary Conditions
In addition to the suspended sentence and five-year probation, Redwine was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. The court imposed specific conditions on his probation, preventing him from accepting any employment requiring a professional license or certificate. Furthermore, Redwine is required to publish a 1/8 page advertisement in major newspapers across Louisiana – Shreveport, Natchitoches, and Baton Rouge – acknowledging his conviction for filing false statements and misrepresenting himself as an engineer. He must also complete 250 hours of community service.
Broader Crackdown on Environmental Fraud
This case marks the second conviction in Louisiana within a week related to falsified environmental documentation. Last week, Andre Franklin was sentenced in Jefferson Parish for fraudulent claims related to the state’s waste tire recycling fund. Jeffrey T. Nolan, Manager of DEQ-CID, stated the department will “aggressively pursue individuals and companies who intentionally make false statements.” Ivan Vikin, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Office of Criminal Enforcement for the Louisiana region, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of accurate data for effective environmental regulation. “Violators who submit false reports…undermine our efforts to protect the public and the environment and they will be vigorously prosecuted,” Vikin said.
Prosecution and Legal Details
The case was successfully prosecuted by District Attorney Hillar Moore and Assistant District Attorney Brandon Fremin. Redwine was initially charged on July 2, 2010, with two counts of violating Louisiana state environmental regulation 14133, ultimately pleading guilty to one count. The final sentence, delivered on September 7, 2010, included the 36-month suspended incarceration, 60-month probation, and the $3,000 fine.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Nathan C. Redwine, 61
- Crime: Filing false public documents/Fraud
- State: Louisiana
- Year: 2010
- Statute Violated: Louisiana State Environmental Regulation 14133
- Penalties: 3-year suspended sentence, 5 years probation, $3,000 fine, community service, public advertisement requirement, ban on licensed employment.
- Agencies Involved: Louisiana DEQ-CID, U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, Louisiana Professional Engineering & Land Surveying Board
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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