Lake Charles Judge Reaches Agreement with EPA

The American Press reports that 14th Judicial District Judge Wilford Carter has reached an agreement in principle concerning alleged wetland violations. Judge Carter filled approximately 2.6 acres of land while developing a residential subdivision. The agreement calls for the payment of a $15,000 fine.

The American Press filed freedom of information requests and received multiple emails concerning the matter, including the following from an EPA employee in Dallas commenting on the penalty negotiations:

"Let's not put the judge out any further, poor wretch, and drop the case ... how low of penalty does he want for an incentive to settle??? Couple of discount coupons for future destruction of wetlands???" she wrote.

"I didn't realize EPA was a discount clearing house, if you're gonna do the crime you gotta pay the fine, he should be familiar with that line being a judge. And just what is this extraordinary evidence his good attorney refers???"

Posted by AJR at March 30, 2005 01:55 PM