Maryland Attorney General Announces Guilty Plea for Environmental Law Violations

Strategic Insights -

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown recently announced the guilty plea of Philip Robinson, 67, of Laurel, Maryland, for violating Maryland environmental laws related to the discharge of pollutants in Prince George's County. The investigation, led by the Attorney General's Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit (ENRCU), began after a citizen reported dumping at a dead-end street in Laurel. The investigation revealed that Robinson, owner of a dark green pickup truck, would regularly dump materials, including cooking oil, onto the ground, which would then flow into Indian Creek, a state waterway. The dumping posed a significant threat to the environment and public health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Philip Robinson, 67, pleaded guilty to violations of Maryland environmental laws regarding the discharge of pollutants in Prince George's County.
  • The investigation was led by the Attorney General's Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit (ENRCU) and began after a citizen reported dumping at a dead-end street in Laurel.
  • Robinson was dumping cooking oil, among other materials, onto the ground, which flowed into Indian Creek, a state waterway.
  • The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) regulates the removal and disposal of fats, oils, and grease in Prince George's County.
  • Robinson did not have a required waste hauler license or permit necessary to perform waste hauling services.
  • He was sentenced to a one-year suspended sentence, two years of probation, and 60 hours of community service.
  • Attorney General Brown thanked his team, including Division Chief Katie Dorian, and other law enforcement agencies for their cooperation in the case.
  • The Prince George's County Police Department and State's Attorney Tara H. Jackson also assisted in the prosecution.

Statistics:

  • 60 hours of community service imposed on Robinson as part of his sentence.
  • 1-year suspended sentence.
  • Robinson was on 2 years of probation.
  • Enforcing environmental laws falls under the responsibility of the Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit (ENRCU).
  • Indian Creek, a state waterway, was threatened by the dumping of pollutants.
  • August 23, 2023: Investigators observed a dark green F-350 truck matching the description, carrying two 55-gallon barrels in the back, driving down Van Dusen Road towards the cul-de-sac.

Sources:

  • Maryland Attorney General [email address]
  • Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
  • Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit (ENRCU)