Fredericton, NB/Portland, ME – A decade-long investigation into the illegal trafficking of ozone-depleting substances culminated in convictions and penalties for several individuals and a Canadian company in the late 1990s. The case, originating with illicit activity across the US-Canada border, highlights the serious consequences of violating environmental regulations and underscores the federal government’s commitment to protecting the ozone layer.
The scheme centered around City Sales, Ltd., an automobile dealership in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, and its owners, Larry and Anne Marie LeBlanc. Between September 1993 and July 1994, City Sales illegally shipped approximately 75 tons of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to various automotive shops throughout the United States. These shipments occurred despite a determination by Environment Canada that City Sales lacked the necessary permits to export CFCs. CFCs are known to severely damage the ozone layer, increasing the risk of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, leading to health problems like cataracts and skin cancer.
Scott Campion, an employee of City Sales, was the first to face federal charges in the U.S. On March 3, 1997, Campion was charged with ten counts of knowingly violating the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)). He subsequently pled guilty and, on October 7, 1997, was sentenced to a federal fine of $2,500. The LeBlancs and City Sales, Ltd. were indicted shortly after, facing eight counts of the same Clean Air Act violation. Both Larry and Anne Marie LeBlanc eventually pled guilty.
The investigation didn’t stop at environmental crimes. Michael Cormier, a sales broker involved in facilitating the CFC shipments, was charged with evading income taxes (26 U.S.C. 7206(1)) on June 2, 1998, and ultimately sentenced to eight months of incarceration and twelve months of probation on October 29, 1998. Another individual, Parlee, was also charged with tax violations (26 U.S.C. 7201), receiving a 12-month probation sentence, a $1,000 fine, and $6,200 in restitution to the Treasury.
The penalties continued to mount. Anne Marie LeBlanc was sentenced to a $1,500 federal fine on May 29, 1998. City Sales, Ltd. received the heftiest financial penalty, a $20,000 federal fine levied on February 17, 1998. Larry LeBlanc faced the most severe sentence, receiving 15 months incarceration and a $28,000 fine on June 22, 1999. The case demonstrates a coordinated effort by federal agencies to pursue all facets of the criminal activity, from environmental violations to financial crimes.
Key Facts
- Defendant(s): Scott Campion, Larry LeBlanc, Anne Marie LeBlanc, City Sales, Ltd., Michael Cormier, Parlee
- Crime: Illegal shipment of CFCs and tax evasion
- Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada & Various locations in the United States
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act), 26 U.S.C. 7206(1) & 7201 (Tax Codes)
- Penalties: Fines ranging from $1,000 to $28,000, incarceration up to 15 months, probation, and restitution.
- CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons are known to deplete the ozone layer, increasing the risk of harmful ultraviolet radiation.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect our planet.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- CEMEX California Cement Fined for Clean Air Act Violations, Victorv… · Nevada
- Austin Nolan Dwight Rutherford, Theft and Embezzlement, Juneau AK, … · Alaska
- Melanie Gail Titus, Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Fun… · Alaska
- Garrett Elder, Wire Fraud Scheme, Anchorage AK, 2016-2022 · Alaska
- Melanie Gail Titus, Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Fun… · Alaska
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime