William Michael Manclark, EPA Fraud, Mississippi 2016

OXFORD, MS – William Michael Manclark, 51, of Newport Beach, California, began a five-month prison sentence on April 18, 2016, following a guilty plea to federal charges of knowingly submitting false reports to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Manclark, the former Chief Executive Officer and sole shareholder of Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers, Jr., in Oxford, Mississippi.

The case stems from the operation of Leading Edge’s aircraft painting facility at the Mid-Delta Regional Airport in Greenville, Mississippi, which shuttered in mid-2013. Federal prosecutors alleged that Manclark aided and abetted the falsification of records related to the handling and disposal of hazardous waste generated by the facility. The paints and solvents used in aircraft painting are particularly dangerous and require strict adherence to environmental regulations to prevent public health risks.

Corporate Guilt & Individual Accountability

Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. previously pleaded guilty to illegally treating, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste without a permit. The corporation was ordered to pay $1 million in penalties. This sentencing of Manclark represents a significant effort by federal authorities to hold individuals accountable for corporate environmental crimes, beyond simply penalizing the company itself. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi has signaled a commitment to aggressively pursue those who commit fraudulent acts related to environmental compliance.

Statutes Violated & Penalties

Manclark was convicted of violating 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(3) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA governs the management of solid and hazardous waste, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Beyond the five months of imprisonment, Manclark’s sentence included five months of home confinement, one year of supervised release, and a hefty $250,000 fine. The severity of the penalties underscores the seriousness with which federal authorities view violations of environmental regulations.

Investigation & Prosecution

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Andy Castro, Acting Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Mississippi, emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, stating that “Without accurate and honest information, EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment is severely undermined.” The case was initially charged on July 27, 2015, with Manclark entering his guilty plea prior to sentencing on March 9, 2016.

Key Facts

• Defendant: William Michael Manclark
• Company: Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc.
• Location: Greenville, Mississippi
• Crime: Aiding and abetting false reporting to the EPA regarding hazardous waste disposal.
• Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 6928(d)(3) – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Sentence: 5 months imprisonment, 5 months home confinement, 1 year supervised release, $250,000 fine.
• Corporate Penalty: Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. paid $1 million in penalties.

Felicia C. Adams, United States Attorney, stated the office will continue to pursue fraudulent actors and ensure they are brought to justice. The case serves as a warning to other businesses and their executives: knowingly falsifying environmental reports will not be tolerated and will result in significant legal consequences.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

White Collar Crime

Sean Aude Gallman, Mail and Wire Fraud, Maryland 2016

Jan 19, 2016

White Collar Crime

Luis Antonio Secades, Money Laundering, Nevada 2003

Jan 15, 2003

White Collar Crime

Cruz Uscanaga, Money Laundering, Florida 2007

Jan 15, 2007

White Collar Crime

Hernandez Zunun, Wire Fraud, Michigan 2018

Jan 15, 2018