Stephen Worthy, Fraud, CA 2003

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A former Chief Engineer aboard the Matson vessel Lihue was sentenced last year following a guilty plea to federal fraud charges stemming from the illegal discharge of oil-contaminated bilge water into the ocean. Stephen Worthy, 53, deliberately circumvented environmental regulations, leading to a criminal investigation and subsequent conviction.

According to court documents, Worthy knowingly ordered his crew to bypass the ship’s Oil Water Separator (OWS) and discharge untreated oily bilge water directly into the sea. The OWS is a crucial piece of equipment designed to filter out oil from the water before it is released, preventing significant environmental damage. Worthy’s actions, investigators allege, were a calculated attempt to avoid the time and expense associated with properly operating and maintaining the OWS.

The case began to unfold following a routine inspection that revealed discrepancies in the ship’s oil record book. Investigators discovered that the records did not accurately reflect the amount of oil discharged, and further investigation revealed Worthy had directed crew members to falsify reports and operate outside of established protocols. The discharge occurred while the Lihue was operating in waters under U.S. jurisdiction.

On June 10, 2002, Worthy was formally charged with two counts of making false statements, a direct violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001. This federal statute prohibits knowingly and willfully making any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations in any matter within the jurisdiction of the United States. Worthy subsequently entered a guilty plea to both counts, admitting to his deliberate deception.

The sentencing, handed down on November 4, 2002, included 12 months of probation, a $25 special assessment fee, and a substantial $5,000 federal fine. While some environmental groups have expressed disappointment with the relatively lenient sentence, prosecutors maintain that the conviction serves as a warning to others who might attempt to prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing maritime environmental regulations and holding individuals accountable for illegal pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) played a key role in the investigation, working in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard to gather evidence and build the case against Worthy. This case serves as a stark reminder that deliberate violations of environmental laws, even at sea, will be met with federal prosecution. Further investigations into Matson’s oversight and potential systemic issues are not currently underway, but remain a possibility if new evidence emerges.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Stephen Worthy
Crime: Fraudulent discharge of oil-contaminated bilge water, making false statements.
Location: California (Maritime – U.S. Waters)
Year: 2003 (charges filed 2002, sentencing 2002)
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 (Making False Statements)
Penalties: 12 months probation, $25 special assessment fee, $5,000 federal fine
Vessel: Matson Lihue

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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