Matthew Thurman, from Nevada, was sentenced to two years in prison for dumping waste into local sewer systems illegally. His company, Easy Rooter Plumbing, was fined $680,000 and put on probation for three years. Thurman continued the illegal dumping despite warnings, affecting cities like Reno and Sparks. He was also found guilty of lying to federal agents.
In a statement obtained by the Justice Department, Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim emphasized the significance of the sentencing: "This case underscores the importance of holding individuals and corporations accountable when they knowingly harm our environment and attempt to obstruct justice." He made clear that "Violations of the Clean Water Act are serious crimes, and today’s sentencing sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated," as stated by the United States Attorney’s Office.
Also weighing in, Environmental Protection Agency’s Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann conveyed his agency's commitment to environmental integrity: "The defendant defrauded clients, exposed Nevada communities to contaminated sewage, and engaged in conduct that required taxpayer dollars to be spent on costly repairs." He affirmed that, "Today's significant sentencing demonstrates that EPA will continue to bring to justice environmental criminals," as reported by the United States Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson emphasized the importance of clean water for Nevada, saying, "Nevadans depend on our clean water system for everyday life. By knowingly illegally dumping waste into the treatment system, the defendants jeopardized the quality of life of our citizens in violation of the Clean Water Act." The case was the result of collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Reno, and the City of Sparks. "We will continue to prosecute these crimes and hold the violators responsible," Frierson added, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
