MONTROSE, Colo.—A platinum recycler whose company was fined for polluting has pleaded guilty to criminal pollution charges.
Steven Casebolt will likely receive probation after pleading guilty to three felony counts of violating the Colorado Hazardous Waste Act. His recycling business, Elizabeth Mining and Development, Inc., was fined $405,000 earlier this year for incorrectly handling hazardous waste.
The company stripped precious metals from catalytic converters. Prosecutors said the company operated without a permit for nine years.
Casebolt’s partner in the recycling business, Wayne Ratner, faced similar charges. Ratner entered a plea without admitting guilt but acknowledging there was sufficient evidence against him on a single count of selling or offering an unregistered security. Ratner was sentenced to probation.
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Information from: The Montrose Daily Press,
