December 2024 Environmental Crimes Bulletin: Key Updates & Insights You Need to Know

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December 2024 Environmental Crimes Bulletin: Key Updates & Insights You Need to Know

Explore recent updates on environmental crimes and the legal proceedings involving various offenders. Below are some key highlights from recent cases across different districts.


Here are some notable cases by district:

DistrictCase NameViolations
Central District of CaliforniaUnited States vs. Sai Keung Tin (aka Ricky Tin)Reptile Smuggling
Eastern District of CaliforniaUnited States v. Power Performance Enterprises, Inc.Clean Air Act Violations
District of ColoradoUnited States v. Elite Diesel Service Inc.Emissions Tampering
Northern District of FloridaUnited States v. Fernando Cruz RubioPollution Prevention Act
Middle District of GeorgiaUnited States v. Fredricus WhiteAnimal Fighting
Eastern District of New YorkUnited States v. Russell MilisLacey Act Violations

Let’s highlight some recent guilty pleas:

United States v. All Out Diesel

  • Location: Eastern District of Montana
  • Case Details: Both All Out Diesel, LLC and owner Joseph Easter pleaded guilty to violations of the Clean Air Act for tampering with monitoring devices. They will be sentenced on March 14, 2025.

From October 2019 to March 2020, they knowingly altered at least 75 monitoring devices. This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.

United States v. Johnnie Lee Nelson

  • Location: District of New Jersey

On December 6, 2024, Nelson pleaded guilty to animal fighting charges related to a fight organized in 2019. Responding officers discovered a fighting pit and two injured dogs, leading to major revelations about a dog-fighting operation. Investigating agencies included the FBI and the USDA Inspector General’s office.

United States v. Russell Milis

  • Location: Eastern District of New York

Milis pleaded guilty on December 10, 2024, for falsely labeling shipments of turtles. He smuggled protected species into the pet trade. Sentencing will take place on May 28, 2025.

United States v. Jose Correa

  • Location: Southern District of New York

Correa admitted to releasing asbestos into the air without proper safety measures and will be sentenced on April 10, 2025. His actions endangered many workers during renovations at a supermarket.

United States v. Daniel Brett

  • Location: District of Utah

On December 2, 2024, Brett was sentenced to pay $40,000 after a negligence violation regarding asbestos removal. An emergency cleanup cost the EPA over $1 million due to inadequate safety measures during the demolition of a hotel.

United States v. Quality Poultry and Seafood

  • Location: Southern District of Mississippi

Sentenced on December 11, 2024, the company and its managers faced severe penalties for conspiracy and misbranding seafood. They will have to pay substantial fines and undergo probationary monitoring.


These cases illustrate the ongoing commitment to uphold environmental laws and protect our natural resources. The authorities are working hard to ensure accountability for those who violate these crucial regulations.



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