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Colorado Executive Re-sentenced for Illegal Storage of Hazardous Wastes
Release Date: 10/31/2003
Contact Information:
Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov
(10/31/03) On Oct. 7, Richard Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Thoro Products Company, a chemical distribution facility in Arvada, Colo., was re-sentenced to the statutory maximum of four years in state prison for violating Colorado state laws prohibiting the illegal storage of hazardous waste. Newman had appealed his 1999 conviction for unlawful storage, disposal of hazardous waste and criminal mischief in spilling substantial amounts over a period of almost 20 years. Allowing solvents to spill creates a potential fire hazard, and human exposure to solvents can lead to illnesses involving the liver, kidneys and nervous system. In addition, Thoro Products was fined $100,000 for illegal storage of hazardous waste, a $750,000 fine for criminal mischief, and was ordered to serve 10-years of probation. This case was jointly investigated by the Denver Area Office of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office with the assistance of EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center. It was prosecuted by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
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