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MARYLAND COMPANY PRESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

Release Date: 03/16/2001
Contact Information:


FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2001
MARYLAND COMPANY PRESIDENT PLEADS
GUILTY TO OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

Luke C. Hester 202-564-7818 / hester.luke@epa.gov


Howard J. Goldstein of Owings Mills, Md., and Pompano Beach, Fla., pleaded guilty on March 7 to obstructing justice in relation to an investigation of an oil discharge into the Baltimore sewer system. Goldstein’s company, A&A Waste Oil Company, was under investigation for a discharge of approximately 10,000 gallons of oil into the Baltimore sewers. Goldstein admitted that he caused destruction of documents which should have been given to the grand jury investigating the alleged release and deletion of computer system data. Releasing oil into sewer systems can create a fire hazard and present a risk to treatment plant workers and plant equipment. When sentenced, Goldstein faces a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, the Environmental Crimes Unit of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office and the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Baltimore.

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