Attorney General's News Release

April 28, 2006

Nixon charges Raytown lawnmower repairman with disposing oil and gasoline into city's sewer system

Kansas City, Mo. — A Raytown man who operates a lawnmower repair business and allegedly disposed of gasoline and oil by pouring them into the city's sanitary sewer system faces a criminal charge filed by Attorney General Jay Nixon. Nixon charged Louis Mattoon in Jackson County Circuit Court with the misdemeanor of Introduction of Pollutants into a Sanitary Sewer System.

According to a probable cause statement filed with the charges, on May 4, 2005 the Raytown Fire Department responded to a call that gasoline vapors were in a private residence in Raytown. An investigation by the department found residue and a strong odor of gasoline in the city's sanitary sewer system with the source being traced to the defendant's lawnmower repair shop. The clean-up of the sewer system cost the City of Raytown approximately $1,350. After initially denying involvement, Mattoon admitted disposing of the hazardous materials in Dec. 2005.

Introduction of Pollutants into a Sanitary Sewer System is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine ranging from $2,500 up to $25,000 or imprisonment up to one year. As with all criminal cases, the charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818