Tonawanda Coke facing criminal charges

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's a serious criminal case against Tonawanda Coke and it's Environmental Manager. They're facing a multi-count indictment for clean air act violations, obstruction of justice and other serious offenses.

For years, Tonawanda Coke has been under scrutiny by local residents and environmental agencies for civil violations of environmental regulations. This indictment represents the first criminal charges against the corporation and its Environmental Control Manager Mark Kamholz. The charges cover events that occurred over a five-year period from 2005 to 2009.

U.S. Attorney William Hochul explained, "A federal grand jury handed up a 20 count indictment with a variety of federal and criminal charges. 15 of which relate to violations of the clean air act."

The corporation and Kamholz are also charged with obstruction of justice, concealing evidence during a 2009 plant inspection by the EPA, and four counts of storing treating and disposing of hazardous waste without a permit.

"The courts will now be in a position to have certain pre-trial conditions, one of which will be to comply with all federal, local, and state laws, such as the clean air act," added Hochul.

If found guilty, Kamholz faces possible prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.

Hochul said, "Mr. Kamholz is alleged to have been the person responsible for compliance."

Andrea from Tonawanda said, "He should serve time and pay his dues for what he's done."

Sister Michele Deiter said, "I'm glad they are finally doing something to stop all of this. Even if it is a small victory, it is a step."

Tonawanda Coke declined to comment when we called the company. Kamholz wasn't home when we stopped by to speak to him, though we did see a car quickly turn around and leave once we were spotted outside his home. An arraignment is scheduled for next Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Buffalo.