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MICHIGAN MAN PLEADS TO ILLEGALLY TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS WASTE
Release Date: 05/05/2000
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2000
MICHIGAN MAN PLEADS TO ILLEGALLY
TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS WASTE
TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS WASTE
On April 25 Gregory Kopke of Detroit, Mich., pleaded guilty, to violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The defendant illegally transported paint and solvent wastes from a painting company to four rural sites in Macomb County, Mich. The materials were ignitable and also contained xylene, ethyl benzene, toluene and lead. Benzene is a known carcinogen and exposure to sufficient quantities of lead can lead to disorders of the bones and nervous system. Under his plea agreement, Kopke faces up to 15 months in prison. A second defendant in this case, Matthew David Smith, is currently serving a 20-month prison sentence, and a third defendant, Luke Masinick has already pleaded guilty and also faces a prison sentence of up to 15 months. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI, is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit, Mich.
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