Hornersville, MO – A former water operator in southern Missouri has been sentenced for a scheme to falsify drinking water sample results, potentially endangering the health of residents in Hornersville and Arbyrd. Randy Gardner, 62, was sentenced on January 13, 2022, to 36 months of probation and ordered to pay a $2,400 fine after pleading guilty to one count of violating federal law.
Between 2006 and 2017, Gardner held positions as a drinking water operator for various communities in the region. The fraud came to light in 2017 while Gardner was responsible for water quality testing for Hornersville and Arbyrd. Instead of collecting samples from the designated public water systems, Gardner allegedly collected water directly from his own home tap and submitted it to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Environmental Laboratory.
Crucially, Gardner falsely documented the source of the samples, claiming they originated from approved locations within Hornersville and Arbyrd. However, Gardner’s home was supplied by the Dunklin County Public Water District, a separate system not servicing the two cities. This deception led to a false positive result for E. coli in the submitted samples, prompting unnecessary concern and further investigation by the MDNR.
False Positives & Investigation
The initial false positive triggered a follow-up investigation by the MDNR, which conducted comprehensive testing of the water systems in Hornersville, Arbyrd, and Gardner’s residence. These subsequent tests ultimately revealed that the water in both municipalities was, in fact, safe to drink. Despite the lack of actual contamination, Gardner’s actions caused significant disruption and undermined public trust in the water supply.
Legal Ramifications
Gardner’s actions violated Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001, which prohibits knowingly making false statements to the federal government. This statute carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine, although Gardner received a lighter sentence of probation and a $2,400 fine. The case underscores the critical importance of accurate reporting in maintaining the safety and integrity of public water systems.
License Revoked
Following the discovery of the fraudulent activity, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources revoked Gardner’s water operator license, effectively barring him from working in the field within the state. Authorities emphasized that such breaches of trust are taken extremely seriously, given the potential for widespread health consequences.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Randy Gardner
- Location: Hornersville and Arbyrd, Missouri
- Years Active: 2006 – 2017 (fraudulent activity 2017)
- Crime: Falsifying drinking water sample results
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements)
- Penalty: 36 months probation, $2,400 fine
- License Status: Revoked by the Missouri DNR
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. Readers concerned about the safety of their local water supply are encouraged to contact their local water authority or the EPA directly.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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