Nashville, TN – Vernon John Masterson was sentenced in 2007 following a federal investigation into the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in Tennessee. The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), revealed a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and public safety.
In June 2006, authorities discovered forty-six 55-gallon drums abandoned at a construction site within the Merritt Downs Subdivision. Subsequent analysis determined the drums contained paint wastes exhibiting characteristics of both ignitability and toxicity – classifying them as hazardous waste under federal law. The discovery sparked an investigation that quickly led to Masterson, who was indicted on one count of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Illegal Dumping Scheme Uncovered
The investigation revealed that Masterson knowingly treated, stored, and disposed of the hazardous waste without obtaining the necessary permits required by RCRA. This blatant disregard for protocol not only posed a direct threat to the environment but also potentially endangered residents of the surrounding community. The abandonment of the drums left the hazardous materials vulnerable to leaks, spills, and unauthorized access.
Guilty Plea and Initial Sentencing
Facing mounting evidence, Masterson pleaded guilty to the RCRA charge in September 2006. The sentencing, handed down on March 30, 2007, reflected the severity of the offense. Masterson received 36 months of probation, incorporating a three-month stint in a Community Correction Center followed by twelve months and one day of incarceration. Beyond imprisonment, the court ordered Masterson to pay $23,756 in restitution to the EPA and an additional $24,331 to the TDEC to cover the costs of cleanup and environmental remediation.
Further Legal Troubles & Violation of Release
Masterson’s legal troubles didn’t end with the initial sentencing. In a separate case (3:07-00065), he received an additional month of incarceration for failing to appear at his original sentencing date, demonstrating a further lack of accountability. The situation escalated again in September 2008 when Masterson violated the conditions of his supervised release, leading to an additional eight months behind bars. This repeat offense highlighted a pattern of non-compliance and disregard for the court’s orders.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Vernon John Masterson
- State: Tennessee
- Year: 2007
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(2)(A) – knowingly treats, stores, or disposes of any hazardous waste without a permit. Specifically, 42 U.S.C. 6928(e)
- Evidence: Forty-six 55-gallon drums containing ignitable and toxic paint waste.
- Penalties: 36 months probation (including 3 months in a Community Correction Center & 12 months/1 day incarceration), $23,756 restitution to EPA, $24,331 restitution to TDEC, and an additional 9 months of incarceration for failure to appear and violating supervised release.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding individuals accountable for the illegal disposal of hazardous waste. The substantial penalties levied against Masterson underscore the seriousness of RCRA violations and the potential consequences for those who prioritize profit over environmental protection.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Vernon John Masterson, Hazardous Waste Disposal, TN 2007 · New York
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- George Mills, Hazardous Waste Violation, AL 1985 · Missouri
- Selective Structures, Hazardous Waste, TN 2010 · New York
- Johnnie James Williams, Hazardous Waste Crime, TN 2011 · New York
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