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STX Pan Ocean Co. Ltd. Sentenced for Environmental Crimes
Tampa, Florida – STX Pan Ocean Co. Ltd., a Korean corporation operating the commercial cargo ship M/V Ocean Jade, was sentenced to pay $2.2 million in penalties and serve four years of probation for conspiring to falsify and falsifying environmental compliance records.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard Lazzara handed down the sentence in the Middle District of Florida on [no date provided]. The corporation pleaded guilty to four felony offenses on April 24, 2009, including conspiracy, falsifying records, and making false statements.
The crimes were committed by crew members aboard the M/V Ocean Jade from July to October 2008. Federal and international law requires that all ships comply with pollution regulations, including the proper disposal of oily waste and sludge.
STX Pan Ocean Co. Ltd. will pay $200,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and fund numerous projects related to the protection, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat in the Tampa Bay area.
Chief Engineer Hong Hak Kang and Chief Officer Jeong Gyu Lee pleaded guilty to felony offenses relating to their falsification of the M/V Ocean Jade’s oil and garbage record book. Chief Engineer Kang was sentenced to three years of probation and a $1,500 fine, while Chief Officer Lee was sentenced to time served and three years’ supervised release.
‘Dumping pollution directly overboard into the ocean and lying to investigators is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,’ stated John C. Cruden, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton added, ‘Keeping our ocean waters clean and free from pollution is extremely important. Those who recklessly foul our waters must face the consequences.’
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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