Robert J. Gentile, Environmental Fraud, Ohio 2019

Struthers, OH – A former plant manager at the Struthers Wastewater Treatment Plant has avoided jail time despite admitting to falsifying data submitted to state environmental regulators. Robert J. Gentile, 58, pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges of environmental fraud in April 2019, stemming from deliberately inaccurate reports filed with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The case, investigated by the Ohio EPA’s Special Investigations Unit, revealed that Gentile manipulated data entered into the agency’s Electronic Data Management Reporting (EDMR) system. The EDMR system is crucial for monitoring wastewater discharge and ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental standards. By submitting false information, Gentile attempted to conceal potential violations and misrepresent the plant’s operational performance.

Court documents indicate the falsified reports likely understated levels of pollutants released into local waterways. While the exact environmental impact of the manipulated data remains unclear, the Ohio EPA considered the offenses serious enough to pursue criminal charges. The agency emphasized the importance of accurate reporting for safeguarding public health and the environment.

On April 2, 2019, Gentile entered a plea of no contest to violating Ohio Revised Code Section 6111.07(C). This section of the Ohio Revised Code addresses falsification and tampering with environmental monitoring data. The no contest plea meant Gentile did not admit guilt, but acknowledged the prosecution had sufficient evidence for a conviction.

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Sentencing and Penalties

Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Gentile to a $2,000 fine, along with $1,000 in restitution to cover the Ohio EPA’s investigative costs. He also received a one-year probation term, contingent upon full payment of all fines and restitution on the day of sentencing. Additionally, Gentile was sentenced to 180 days in jail, but this sentence was suspended – meaning he would not serve time unless he violated the terms of his probation.

Key Facts

Defendant: Robert J. Gentile
Location: Struthers, Ohio
Crime: Environmental Fraud (Falsifying Data)
Statute Violated: Ohio Revised Code Section 6111.07(C)
Penalty: $2,000 fine, $1,000 restitution, 1 year suspended probation, 180 days suspended jail time.
Agency Involved: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Special Investigations Unit

The case highlights the Ohio EPA’s commitment to pursuing criminal enforcement against those who attempt to circumvent environmental regulations. While the penalties in this case were relatively light, the agency hopes the prosecution will deter others from engaging in similar deceptive practices. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases in Ohio and across the nation.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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