Fugitive sought for dumping radioactive oilfield waste
Source: Associated Press
Updated 4:00 pm, Tuesday, August 15, 2017
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) Federal officials say a fugitive who escaped custody in Wyoming four years ago is being sought for the illegal dumping of radioactive oilfield waste in North Dakota.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that James Kenneth Ward is considered violent and dangerous and should not be approached.
Ward was indicted in April in U.S. District Court in Montana on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Prosecutors say he was paid by a company to dispose of hundreds of pieces of radioactive oil field waste known as filter socks, which are used to strain the sometimes-radioactive fluids produced during oil and gas exploration.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Fugitive-sought-for-dumping-radioactive-oilfield-11821340.php
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-07/documents/wanted_poster-ward_0.pdf
sandensea
(21,528 posts)Probably just as well, considering the current one.
not fooled
(5,791 posts)the matter leads back to very wealthy oilfield owners/operators/shareholders.
This guy is probably just the end-game actor in a rigged system starting with ownership by wealthy but unscrupulous operators. Of course he will be the fall guy and go to jail (deservedly) while the backers of the enterprises he worked for escape unscathed.
At a minimum they should have to disgorge the profits they made by not paying for proper disposal. Of course that won't happen.
TexasBushwhacker
(20,043 posts)surrealAmerican
(11,340 posts)It's funny how the article neglects to name them.
hunter
(38,264 posts)... plausible deniability, and useful idiots.
The subcontractor up the next rung of the ladder paid a $20,000 fine (negotiated down from $800,000) and that was that, neat and tidy, thus saving anyone further up the ladder embarrassment.