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FORMER DENVER BUSINESS OWNER PLEADS GUILTY TO CFC SMUGGLING
Release Date: 03/23/2000
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2000
FORMER DENVER BUSINESS OWNER
PLEADS GUILTY TO CFC SMUGGLING
Kenneth L. McManus of Denver, Colo. pleaded guilty March 15 to violating CFC smuggling provisions of the Clean Air Act. McManus, who formerly operated an air conditioning business in Denver, admitted that he imported over one ton of R-12 refrigerant into the United States. R-12 is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas whose importation into the United States is highly restricted. When released into the atmosphere, R-12 depletes the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects people from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation such as skin cancer and cataracts. When sentenced, McManus faces up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Customs Service, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas in Houston.
R-37 ###
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