Warrenton, OR – Raymond Dean Graves was sentenced to jail time and ordered to pay over $11,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to criminally negligent oil pollution stemming from the dismantling of a fishing vessel at the Warrenton Marina in August 2012. The incident resulted in a visible sheen of oil impacting the Skipanon Channel and, ultimately, the Columbia River.
According to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reports, Graves was scrapping the F/V Caroline when oil was discharged onto the soil at the work site. The Harbor Master at the Warrenton Marina alerted authorities, noting the ship dismantling operation taking place on the marina’s spit. Despite the observed pollution, Graves abandoned the site over a one to two-day period without initiating any cleanup efforts.
The discharge wasn’t simply contained to the immediate area. A five-foot silvery sheen was observed in the Skipanon Channel, a waterway that directly feeds into the larger Columbia River. This raised immediate concerns about potential environmental damage and the impact on marine life and recreational use of the river.
Legal Ramifications
On August 6, 2012, Graves was formally charged with one count of violating Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 468.943, which covers criminal negligence in relation to water quality standards, rules, licenses, permits, or orders. He entered a guilty plea and, on August 8, 2012, received a sentence of four weeks incarceration. Beyond jail time, Graves was placed on 36 months of probation, fined $100 by the state, and ordered to pay $10,930 in restitution to the Coast Guard National Pollution Fund Center.
Further complicating the case, a co-defendant, Minkoff, was also charged with a violation of ORS 468.942 on August 8, 2012. Minkoff also pled guilty and was ordered to jointly and severally pay the same $10,930 restitution amount to the Coast Guard National Pollution Fund Center alongside Graves. This means the Coast Guard can pursue the full restitution amount from either individual.
Ongoing Concerns
This case highlights the critical importance of responsible ship dismantling practices and the potential for significant environmental harm from improper waste management. The Columbia River is a vital ecosystem and economic resource, and authorities are increasingly focused on preventing and addressing pollution incidents like this one. The Coast Guard National Pollution Fund Center will utilize the restitution funds for ongoing cleanup and restoration efforts in similar pollution events.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Raymond Dean Graves
- Location: Warrenton Marina, Oregon
- Date: August 2012
- Statutes Violated: Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 468.943 and 468.942
- Pollutant: Oil discharged during ship dismantling
- Impact: Oil sheen observed in Skipanon Channel, flowing into Columbia River
- Penalties: 4 weeks incarceration, 36 months probation, $100 state fine, $10,930 restitution (Graves); $10,930 restitution (Minkoff, jointly and severally)
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime