Jackson, MS – Tennie White, owner and operator of Mississippi Environmental Analytical Laboratories Inc., was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison late August after being convicted in May of falsifying industrial wastewater testing results and obstructing a federal investigation. The case, prosecuted by the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, highlights the critical role accurate environmental data plays in protecting public health and the environment.
According to court documents, White’s laboratory was contracted by a manufacturer to analyze wastewater samples and submit monthly discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Between October and December 2008, White allegedly fabricated data, submitting DMRs claiming testing had been performed when no analysis had taken place. Further, she created a completely fictitious laboratory report in January 2009, providing it to her client for inclusion in another DMR. The scheme was uncovered during a subsequent federal investigation, during which White made false statements to a federal agent.
The falsification of environmental data isn’t simply a paperwork issue, officials say. “Our environmental regulatory system depends on the self-reporting of accurate information, including what is being released into the environment,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “When laboratories who are paid to test and report samples of what is being discharged into our nation’s waters fabricate results and lie to investigators, they will be prosecuted.” The EPA echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of reliable data for safeguarding public water supplies.
Investigation and Trial
White was initially charged in November 2012 with two counts of making false statements, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1001, and one count of obstruction of justice, a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1505. The eight-day trial before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate presented evidence detailing the fraudulent reports and White’s attempts to mislead investigators. The jury ultimately found her guilty on all counts in May 2013.
Sentencing and Penalties
At the August 26th sentencing hearing, Judge Wingate imposed a 40-month prison sentence, followed by 36 months of supervised release. White was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. Each count of making false statements carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the obstruction of justice charge carried a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence reflects a compromise considering the severity of the crimes and other mitigating factors.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Tennie White
- Company: Mississippi Environmental Analytical Laboratories Inc.
- Location: Jackson, Mississippi
- Crimes: Falsifying environmental data, obstruction of justice, making false statements to a federal agent.
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. §1001, 18 U.S.C. §1505
- Sentence: 40 months incarceration, 36 months supervised release, $1,100 in fines and assessments.
- Timeline: Fraud occurred between October-December 2008; charges filed November 2012; conviction May 2013; sentencing August 2013.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert G. Dreher emphasized the significance of the prosecution, stating that businesses rely on honest laboratories to monitor and report pollution discharges accurately. “This prosecution shows that fraudulent testing and reporting by laboratories will not be tolerated,” he said. The case serves as a stark reminder that those who compromise environmental integrity for financial gain will face serious legal consequences.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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