Rory Allen Westmoreland, Hazardous Waste Dumping, Washington 2015

Renton, WA – Rory Allen Westmoreland, a former Renton resident, was sentenced in February 2015 following a guilty plea to charges stemming from the illegal dumping of approximately 40 barrels of hazardous waste. The case, pursued by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, highlights a pattern of disregard for environmental regulations and public safety, according to court documents and investigators.

Westmoreland abandoned the hazardous materials and other debris on a property from which he was evicted in 2012. The King County authorities initially reported the issue to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigations Division in March 2013, triggering a comprehensive investigation. The dumped waste posed a significant threat to both the local ecosystem and the health of nearby residents, prompting swift action from state and federal agencies.

The Attorney General’s Office charged Westmoreland with violating the Washington State Hazardous Waste Management Act and unlawful dumping of solid waste. The investigation revealed a troubling history of similar offenses. Records show King County had three prior enforcement cases against Westmoreland dating back to 2003, involving issues ranging from unpermitted construction to the accumulation of refuse on the same property. Further compounding the situation, Westmoreland had recently been convicted in Island County for abandoning a derelict vessel that subsequently sank, leading to the temporary closure of the Penn Cove mussel farm in 2012.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Environmental Impact & Legal Ramifications

“Environmental violations are serious crimes that, in a worst-case scenario, can kill people,” stated Jay M. Green, Acting Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Washington. “EPA’s mission of protecting the environment also involves helping to bring to justice those who disregard the harm they cause to our natural surroundings and the danger they pose to public health.” The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to utilizing the criminal justice system to safeguard communities and enforce environmental regulations.

As part of the plea agreement, Westmoreland received a 60-day jail sentence and was ordered to pay $127,301.98 in restitution to cover the costs associated with the cleanup of the hazardous waste. Attorney General Ferguson emphasized that his office “won’t tolerate individuals who jeopardize our environment by dumping toxic waste,” signaling a firm stance against environmental crimes within the state.

Key Facts

Defendant: Rory Allen Westmoreland
Crime: Illegal dumping of hazardous waste
Location: Renton, Washington
Year: 2015
Laws Violated: Washington State Hazardous Waste Management Act, Unlawful Dumping of Solid Waste
Penalties: 60 days incarceration, $127,301.98 restitution
Prior Offenses: Three prior enforcement cases in King County (2003-2012), Abandonment of derelict vessel (Island County, 2012)

The successful prosecution of Westmoreland serves as a warning to others contemplating similar acts of environmental negligence. Authorities continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of hazardous waste crimes to protect both public health and the delicate balance of Washington State’s natural resources.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases