Raymond George, Illegal Transportation of Hazardous Materials, Pennsylvania 2023

Local Businessman Charged with Transporting Hazardous Materials

Raymond George, 65, owner of George Welding & Supply in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, has been charged with one count of illegal transportation of hazardous materials.

According to the United States Attorney's Office, George allegedly certified that cylinders containing compressed gases used in the welding industry were properly tested and found to be safe between January 2001 and January 2012.

However, the information alleges that George's business was not authorized to test cylinders, and he applied false markings to the cylinders, certifying that they had been tested. He then leased the fraudulently marked cylinders to his customers.

The government has filed a plea agreement with George, which must be approved by the Court. If convicted, George faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a supervised release term of three years.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.

A sentence following a guilty verdict is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines require the Judge to consider factors such as the nature, circumstances, and seriousness of the offense, the history and characteristics of the defendant, and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public, and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational, and medical needs.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/owner-welding-supply-business-charged-illegal-transportation-hazardous-materials