Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge has sentenced Noly Torato Vidad, 47, the Chief Engineer of cargo vessel M/V Selene Leader, to eight months in prison for obstruction of justice and violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS).
Vidad was caught red-handed when he attempted to thwart a Coast Guard investigation by altering records, destroying documents, and lying to investigators.
The Philippine national was part of a crew that transferred oily wastes into the ocean without proper treatment, in clear violation of environmental regulations. The vessel, operated by Hachiuma Steamship Co., LTD, transported vehicles between U.S. ports, including Baltimore.
U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein and Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden praised the Coast Guard Investigative Service for their work, while Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Kehoe and Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham were recognized for their prosecution efforts.
Hachiuma Steamship Co., LTD, which previously pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an accurate oil record book, paid a $1.8 million penalty, part of which went to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for Chesapeake Bay restoration projects.
Ireneo Tomo Tuale, 63, another Philippine national who worked on M/V Selene Leader, has also pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and is awaiting sentencing.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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