Thomas E. Lukegord, Violating 33 U.S.C. § 1411, Massachusetts 2007

BOSTON, MA – Thomas E. Lukegord, former owner and captain of the 62-foot fishing vessel Nicole Renee, was sentenced in January 2007 following a guilty plea to violating federal maritime law. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed Lukegord intentionally scuttled his boat in an apparent effort to evade costs associated with storage or proper disposal.

According to court documents, Lukegord deliberately sank the Nicole Renee, which had been out of service for an unspecified period, without obtaining the necessary permits. The unauthorized sinking constitutes a violation of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), a critical piece of legislation designed to protect the marine environment from harmful dumping practices.

The EPA’s criminal enforcement division took swift action, filing charges against Lukegord on June 16, 2006. The Information alleged a single count of violating 33 U.S.C. § 1411, which specifically prohibits the dumping of material into the ocean that could reasonably degrade or endanger human health or the marine environment. Investigators believe Lukegord saw sinking the vessel as a cheaper alternative to legitimate decommissioning and disposal methods, disregarding the potential ecological consequences.

The sinking of the Nicole Renee triggered a response from the U.S. Coast Guard, who were tasked with assessing the situation and mitigating any potential hazards created by the submerged vessel. The cost of this emergency response ultimately became a factor in the sentencing, with Lukegord ordered to provide restitution to cover those expenses.

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Penalties and Sentencing

On January 19, 2007, Lukegord received a 12-month probationary sentence. In addition to probation, he was ordered to pay a $2,000 federal fine, a $25 special assessment fee, and $1,929 in restitution to the U.S. Coast Guard for their response costs. While the penalties may seem modest, legal experts note that the case serves as a deterrent, highlighting the serious consequences of deliberately polluting or damaging marine ecosystems. The MPRSA carries significant penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment, for those who flout its regulations.

Key Facts

Defendant: Thomas E. Lukegord
Vessel: Nicole Renee (62-foot wooden party fishing boat)
Location: Massachusetts
Statute Violated: 33 U.S.C. § 1411 (Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act)
Charge: Illegal dumping/sinking of a vessel
Sentence: 12 months probation, $2,000 fine, $25 assessment, $1,929 restitution
Motivation: Allegedly to avoid storage or demolition costs

The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, even in instances where the motivation appears to be purely economic. The agency continues to monitor coastal waters and investigate potential violations of the MPRSA, ensuring accountability for those who put the marine environment at risk. GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime cases across the nation.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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