Former E-Scrap Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges
The company had shut its operations in early 2017, leaving stockpiles of CRT devices.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The former owner and operator of Sioux City, Iowa-based e-scrap company Recycletronics has reportedly pleaded guilty to criminal charges of storing and stockpiling hazardous waste at various facilities in and around Sioux City, Iowa. Aaron Rochester, 47, from Sioux City, Iowa pleaded guilty to two charges on March 19th.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa had filed criminal charges against him in October 2018 against knowingly and unlawfully storing and transporting hazardous waste materials, including CRTs and leaded glass from televisions and computers. The employee had admitted that he has been involved in such activities during the period between June 2015 and January 2017. The company had shut its operations in early 2017, leaving stockpiles of CRT devices.
Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Iowa said that the plea demonstrates that those who knowingly violate our nation’s environmental laws will be held responsible for their crimes.
Under the plea agreement, Rochester faces a possible maximum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for each day of the hazardous waste violation, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
CRT C;eanup Costs for 5R's Abandoned Tennessee Site Paid by Landlord
Metech Recycling Paid Penalties to Settle Hazardous Violations