Mishawaka, IN – Two Indiana men were sentenced in September 2010 for their roles in the illegal storage and dumping of hazardous waste, a case highlighting the dangers of improper disposal and potential contamination of local water sources. Robert Scott Rorie, 36, formerly of Mishawaka, Indiana, and now of Gilbert, Arizona, received 18 months in federal prison, while his brother, Todd A. Rorie, 38, of Granger, Indiana, was sentenced to 12 months and one day, followed by supervised release for both.
The case stemmed from an investigation initiated in the spring of 2009, when Robert Rorie, owner of Midwest Custom Painting (MCP) in Osceola, Indiana, transported approximately 300 gallons of hazardous waste – contained in six 55-gallon barrels – from his business to his private residence in Mishawaka. Instead of adhering to environmental regulations, Rorie illegally stored the waste for several months. Authorities discovered the barrels had subsequently been dumped along roadsides in St. Joseph County, an area reliant on drinking water wells, raising serious concerns about potential groundwater contamination.
Todd Rorie actively assisted his brother in the illicit transportation of the hazardous materials from MCP to Robert’s residence. According to court documents, Todd knowingly aided in the movement of the barrels, contributing to the overall illegal scheme. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the St. Joseph County Health Department, and the St. Joseph County Police, quickly uncovered the brothers’ involvement.
Legal Ramifications
Both men pled guilty to charges under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the primary federal law governing the disposal of solid and hazardous waste. Robert Scott Rorie was convicted of violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A), which prohibits the knowing treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste without a permit. Todd Rorie pled guilty to violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1), covering the knowing transport or causing the transportation of hazardous waste without a permit. In addition to their prison sentences, both received two years of supervised release.
Environmental Concerns
The illegal dumping posed a significant threat to the environment and public health. St. Joseph County’s dependence on well water made the situation particularly alarming, as improperly disposed hazardous waste can leach into groundwater, contaminating drinking water supplies. The specific composition of the hazardous waste from Midwest Custom Painting wasn’t immediately released, but typical waste from painting operations often includes solvents, paints, and other chemicals known to be harmful to human health and the environment.
GrimyTimes Investigation
GrimyTimes has learned that Midwest Custom Painting had a history of non-compliance with environmental regulations, though details remain scarce. Sources within IDEM indicate previous warnings were issued to the business regarding proper waste management practices. The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of responsible hazardous waste handling, noting that businesses are legally obligated to ensure their waste is managed safely and in accordance with federal and state laws. Assistant United States Attorney Donald Schmid prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- Defendants: Robert Scott Rorie and Todd A. Rorie
- Location: St. Joseph County, Indiana
- Year: 2010
- Crime: Illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) & 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(1) (RCRA)
- Penalties: Robert Rorie – 18 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release. Todd Rorie – 12 months & 1 day imprisonment, 2 years supervised release.
- Waste Source: Midwest Custom Painting (MCP)
- Waste Amount: Approximately 300 gallons contained in six 55-gallon barrels
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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