Related Federal Cases
- Robert Paschalis, Racially Motivated Assault, Ohio 2016 · Michigan
- Robert Stein, Bank Embezzlement, Illinois 2022 · Illinois
- Robert E. Campbell Jr., Bank Robberies, Akron OH, 2023 · Michigan
- Robert Leal, Gun Possession Violation, Toledo OH, 2023 · Indiana
- Mark Eubanks, Ringleader in Ohio Heroin Ring, Columbus OH, 2023 · Maine
Crime Hits the Maumee River
A federal indictment has charged a Toledo man with sinking a vessel and disposing garbage in the Maumee River. Wayne Robert Banks, Jr., 48, of Toledo, Ohio, faces four counts of destruction of a vessel, deposit of refuse in navigable waters, obstruction of navigable waters, and failure to mark or light a sunken vessel.
According to the indictment, on October 29, 2020, the defendant willfully sunk and destroyed a 24’ Reinell boat within navigable channels of the Maumee River. The indictment further charges that the defendant failed to immediately mark the sunken craft with a buoy, beacon or light.
The defendant is also accused of disposing of refuse materials, including bottles, electronic equipment, batteries, cardboard and other garbage in the Maumee River. This reckless act poses a significant threat to the environment and the community.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service conducted the investigation under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Edward L. Songer, Detroit, Michigan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody L. King is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Wayne Robert Banks, Jr. is entitled to a fair trial, but the community demands justice for this egregious crime. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal records, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum. The community is holding its breath as this case unfolds.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Environmental Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Environmental CrimeEnvironmental CrimeEnvironmental CrimeEnvironmental Crime