FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 28, 2004
CONTACT: Lucia Ross, (850) 245-2862

Former Auto Repair Shop Owner Sentenced for Environmental Crimes

--Ordered to pay more than $15,000 and serve 36 months probation--

DAYTONA BEACH – Volusia County resident, Russell Kevin Oglesby, age 44, pled no contest to third degree felony commercial littering and was sentenced yesterday in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court.

Oglesby, owner of the defunct Master Craft automotive repair shop, was arrested by Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law enforcement agents on December 19, 2003. Volusia County Code Enforcement initially uncovered solid and hazardous waste violations during inspections at Oglesby’s former business. A County-initiated clean up of the property uncovered additional evidence of buried hazardous waste.

Forensic samples taken at the site revealed illegal levels of soil contamination caused by buried automotive parts, drums and batteries. Additionally, large volumes of solid waste, including auto parts and tires, were stored illegally at the property.

Oglesby’s is required to pay more than $15,000 in restitution, fines and court costs and was sentenced to 36 months probation.

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