Summary of Criminal Prosecutions
FISCAL YEAR: 2010
1. PRINCIPAL DEFENDANT: Jackie M. Taylor
S.D. Georgia 1:09-CR-00124
S.D. Georgia 1:09-CR-00124
Taylor worked as the Sardis Public Works Director at the Sardis, Georgia WWTP. He submitted falsified DMRs, which contained false BOD and TSS results for at least one year. The investigation showed that he intentionally falsified multiple DMRs to reflect BOD and TSS results to be within permit levels when they were not. Additionally, multiple BOD levels were so high that they constituted a major spill.
August 5, 2009
Taylor was indicted on 6 counts of making false statements, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001; 6 counts of knowingly submits false identification documents 18 U.S.C. 1028(a)(1) {aggravated identity theft}; and 10 counts of violation the CWA {33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4) - knowingly makes false material statements}.
CITATION: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 1028(a)(1), 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(4)
December 22, 2009
Taylor pled guilty.
April 12, 2010
Taylor was sentenced to 60 months probation and ordered to pay a federal fine in the amount of $10,000.
Southern District of Georgia FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2010 FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR FOR SARDIS, GEORGIA SENTENCED FOR CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS AUGUSTA, GA: Edward J. Tarver, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that Jackie Mitchell Taylor, the former Public Works Director for the City of Sardis, Georgia who was responsible for the operation of that city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and drinking water system, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge J. Randal Hall to five (5) years probation on his convictions for violations of the Clean Water Act. In addition to probation, Taylor will be required to pay a $10,000 fine and a special assessment of $200. Taylor earlier pled guilty to making false statements in records and reports regarding the Treatment Plant’s wastewater discharges. In commenting on the case, United States Attorney Tarver stated, “The investigation of the City of Sardis, Georgia’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and this prosecution demonstrate the strong commitment that the United States Attorney’s Office has made regarding the enforcement of the Clean Water Act and maintaining confidence in the quality of our Nation's water.” Similarly, Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal enforcement program in Atlanta, said, “The state of Georgia needs accurate information to make sure that its rivers, lakes and streams are clean. Violators who submit false reports or bogus data undermine our efforts to protect the public and the environment and they will be vigorously prosecuted.” Tarver praised the work of EPA Special Agent Charles Carfagno in the investigation which led to this indictment. Assistant United States Attorney David M. Stewart prosecuted the case.
Southern District of Georgia FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2010 FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR FOR SARDIS, GEORGIA SENTENCED FOR CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS AUGUSTA, GA: Edward J. Tarver, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that Jackie Mitchell Taylor, the former Public Works Director for the City of Sardis, Georgia who was responsible for the operation of that city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and drinking water system, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge J. Randal Hall to five (5) years probation on his convictions for violations of the Clean Water Act. In addition to probation, Taylor will be required to pay a $10,000 fine and a special assessment of $200. Taylor earlier pled guilty to making false statements in records and reports regarding the Treatment Plant’s wastewater discharges. In commenting on the case, United States Attorney Tarver stated, “The investigation of the City of Sardis, Georgia’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and this prosecution demonstrate the strong commitment that the United States Attorney’s Office has made regarding the enforcement of the Clean Water Act and maintaining confidence in the quality of our Nation's water.” Similarly, Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal enforcement program in Atlanta, said, “The state of Georgia needs accurate information to make sure that its rivers, lakes and streams are clean. Violators who submit false reports or bogus data undermine our efforts to protect the public and the environment and they will be vigorously prosecuted.” Tarver praised the work of EPA Special Agent Charles Carfagno in the investigation which led to this indictment. Assistant United States Attorney David M. Stewart prosecuted the case.
STATUTE:
- Clean Water Act (CWA)
- Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code (TITLE 18)