Richard R Sparks, Making False Statements, Missouri 2011

Stover Public Works Superintendent Sentenced for Falsifying Water Quality Reports

STOVER, MO – Richard R. “Rick” Sparks, former superintendent of the Stover, Missouri public works department, was sentenced in April 2011 after pleading guilty to a federal charge of making false statements related to the city’s water supply. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, revealed a deliberate attempt to mislead regulators regarding water quality testing.

Sparks, 54 at the time of the offense, was responsible for collecting and submitting monthly water samples for analysis, as mandated by federal law to ensure public health and safety. These samples are crucial for detecting contaminants like fecal coliform, as well as for triennial lead and copper testing. According to court documents, on July 17, 2007, Sparks submitted a chain of custody record falsely claiming samples were taken from ten locations within Stover, including a residence at 301 W. 3rd Street.

The investigation uncovered that the 301 W. 3rd Street property was vacant at the time the report was filed and lacked an active water connection. Sparks certified the samples were “first draw” and collected from kitchen or bathroom taps, a clear fabrication. This false certification violated federal regulations designed to ensure accurate and reliable water quality data. The intent behind the falsification remains unclear, but the act directly undermined the integrity of the city’s water safety reporting.

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Legal Ramifications

Sparks was initially indicted on 28 counts of making false statements, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Code § 1001. He later pleaded guilty to a single count related to violating the Safe Drinking Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. § 1319. This statute criminalizes the submission of false information related to the monitoring and reporting requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The potential penalties included up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Ultimately, Sparks received a sentence of 60 months probation, with the first two months under home confinement, followed by a two-week stay at a halfway house. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 federal fine. While avoiding imprisonment, the conviction and penalties represent a significant stain on his record and a warning to other public officials about the serious consequences of falsifying environmental data.

Key Facts

Defendant: Richard R. “Rick” Sparks
Location: Stover, Missouri
Crime: Falsifying water quality sampling reports
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. § 1001, 33 U.S.C. § 1319
Sentence: 60 months probation, 2 months home confinement, 2 weeks halfway house, $5,000 fine
Investigating Agencies: EPA-CID, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Date of Plea: August 13, 2010

The case highlights the EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement actions against individuals who compromise the integrity of environmental regulations, ensuring the public’s access to safe and reliable drinking water. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Pansing Brown, Daniel M. Nelson and Larry Miller prosecuted the case.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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