Fort Lauderdale, FL – Ralph Dearden, owner of now-defunct D&B Paint Manufacturing, Inc. and Flo-Rite Coating and Chemical Company, was sentenced to federal prison in 2000 for his role in a hazardous waste dumping scheme that threatened the Everglades National Park. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a deliberate effort to illegally dispose of over one hundred 55-gallon drums of dangerous chemicals.
According to court documents, Dearden leased a warehouse to API Marine, owned by Schneider, already filled with the hazardous waste. Instead of properly handling the dangerous materials, Dearden and Schneider contracted an individual to transport the drums to a property owned by Delgado. Delgado, motivated by an $800 citizens band radio, permitted the dumping of the waste on land approximately 700 feet from the ecologically sensitive Everglades. The Florida Marine Patrol discovered the drums, triggering an investigation that uncovered the toxic contents.
Analysis of the drums revealed a cocktail of highly dangerous substances, including lead, mercury, benzene, and methyl ethyl ketone. The waste exhibited characteristics of ignitability and was officially classified as a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulated waste. This classification underscores the severe environmental and health risks posed by the illegal dumping.
Legal Ramifications
Dearden was indicted in January 1999 on one count of conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371) and two counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6928(e)). He was ultimately convicted on all counts in August 1999. Schneider pled guilty to the conspiracy charge, with the RCRA charge dismissed. Delgado was convicted of conspiracy but acquitted of the RCRA violation. The sentences handed down reflected the varying degrees of involvement in the criminal activity.
Sentencing & Restitution
On August 18, 2000, Dearden received a 24-month prison sentence, followed by 36 months of probation. He was also ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the Dade County Environmental Resources Management (DERM) and a $17,000 federal fine. Schneider received 60 months of probation and was ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution to DERM. Delgado received a relatively lenient sentence of four months incarceration and 36 months probation, with $393 in restitution owed to DERM.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ralph Dearden, Schneider, and Delgado
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Year: 2000
- Laws Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy) and 42 U.S.C. 6928(e) (RCRA violation – improper hazardous waste disposal)
- Hazardous Waste: Over 100 55-gallon drums containing lead, mercury, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone, and other toxic substances.
- Sentences: Dearden – 24 months imprisonment, $117,000 in fines/restitution. Schneider – 60 months probation, $2,500 restitution. Delgado – 4 months imprisonment, $393 restitution.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of improper hazardous waste disposal and the commitment of federal and state agencies to prosecute those who endanger public health and the environment. The proximity of the dumping site to the Everglades National Park highlights the potential for devastating ecological consequences.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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