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FLORIDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CFC SMUGGLING CHARGES

Release Date: 07/21/2000
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2000

FLORIDA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CFC SMUGGLING CHARGES

Hugh Hamilton Robinson, also known as Alexander Macaulay, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., pleaded guilty on July 14, in U.S. District Court in Miami, Fla., to unlawfully importing the refrigerant CFC-12 into the United States in violation of the Clean Air Act and U.S. customs laws. On May 4, Robinson attempted to smuggle approximately 90 30-pound cylinders of CFC-12 into the United States in false compartments aboard the motor vessel Sierra, however the illegal cargo was discovered when the boat was stopped and inspected by the city of Fort Lauderdale Marine Patrol Unit. The CFC-12 was destined to be unlawfully sold to local auto repair shops in the Palm Beach and St. Lucie County areas. The importation of CFC-12 is highly restricted, because when it is released into the environment, CFC-12 damages the earth’s ozone layer which protects people from ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts. When sentenced, Robinson faces up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Customs Service, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami.


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