Atlanta federal prosecutors indict four “eco-criminals” accused of stealing copper and releasing freon into the atmosphere
Federal authorities in Atlanta, Georgia have indicted four individuals for conspiring to release Freon into the atmosphere. Prosecutors say the four stole copper from commercial air conditioners in Franklin, Hall, Hart and Stephens Counties which caused the dangerous gas to be released. Freon is a type of CFC and is known to deplete the ozone.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution has the story.
Prosecutors believe that a total of 14 businesses were targeted and that copper was taken from approximately 35 air conditioning units. The stolen copper was then allegedly sold to scrap metal businesses. According to authorities, Freon is released when the copper coils of an air conditioning unit are severed.
The four individuals who have been indicted include Daniel Arnot of Estonollee, Sabrina Westbrooks of Lavonia, Corey Beard of Eastonolle and Justin Joyner of Toccoa. Each defendant has been indicted on 13 counts. If convicted, they could face 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
This is a unique approach to prosecuting what would otherwise be basic theft cases. While there may be some environmental impact to these thefts, it is clearly not the motivating factor in the offense.
Our criminal defense attorneys have successfully represented people charged with environmental crimes in Georgia. We have noticed that environmental cases seem to be a growing area of focus in Atlanta and other federal districts in Georgia.
