Terrell, TX – William Ray Janicek, former employee of Perfection Industries, Inc., was sentenced to probation and fined for knowingly providing false information regarding the company’s wastewater discharge, a case brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated by federal authorities. The case, originating in 2004, highlights a pattern of environmental violations and deceptive practices at the metal plating facility located in Terrell, Texas.
The investigation began after the Pretreatment Coordinator for the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) discovered a significant accumulation of hazardous waste – approximately 35 cubic yards of cardboard boxes containing F019 listed waste – stored at Perfection Industries since 2001. This initial discovery quickly expanded to reveal systemic issues with the facility’s wastewater management. The NTMWD, rather than relying on self-reporting from Perfection Industries, conducted independent sampling of the facility’s effluent directly from the sewer line, bypassing the company’s designated 001 outfall.
These clandestine samples painted a damning picture. Analyses consistently showed Perfection Industries in violation of its pretreatment permit, almost daily, for a range of dangerous pollutants including chromium, zinc, and cyanide. The consistent exceedances indicated a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and a potential threat to the local water supply. Investigators believe the facility was knowingly releasing untreated and illegally contaminated wastewater into the municipal sewer system.
Janicek was indicted on March 9, 2004, facing three felony counts: making a false statement (18 U.S.C. 1001), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), and violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(2)(A)). The charges stemmed from his role in submitting inaccurate reports to authorities regarding the facility’s compliance with environmental regulations. While initially facing multiple charges, Janicek ultimately pled guilty on May 21, 2004, to one count of making false statements as to a matter within the Executive branch, specifically aiding and abetting the false reporting (18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2) and 2).
Penalties and Aftermath
On August 31, 2004, Janicek received a sentence of 24 months probation and was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. While the sentence may seem lenient, federal prosecutors emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes and deterring future violations. The EPA’s enforcement action served as a warning to other industrial facilities that falsifying environmental reports and endangering public health would not be tolerated. Further details regarding any penalties levied against Perfection Industries itself are currently unavailable.
Key Facts
- Defendant: William Ray Janicek
- Location: Terrell, Texas
- Company: Perfection Industries, Inc. (metal plating facility)
- Hazardous Waste: 35 cubic yards of F019 listed waste improperly stored.
- Violated Laws: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 1341, 33 U.S.C. 1311(a), 18 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2)
- Pollutants: Chromium, zinc, and cyanide found in wastewater effluent.
- Sentence: 24 months probation, $3,000 fine.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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