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MICHIGAN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CFC SMUGGLING
Release Date: 03/29/2002
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2002
James M. Dolmetsch has pleaded guilty to conspiracy with at least three other individuals to smuggle the refrigerant dichlorodifluoromethane (known as “CFC-12" or “Freon”) into the U.S. from Canada in 1996. Dolmetsch admitted to brokering the sale of the smuggled refrigerant to purchasers in the U.S. He also admitted that the conspiracy successfully smuggled and resold 63,600 lbs. of CFC-12 into the U.S. CFC-12 depletes the earth’s ozone layer, which protects people from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, such as skin cancer. When sentenced, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Customs Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Detroit.
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