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11/26/2025
 Knowledge of an environmental crime? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email info@wtny.us
Nov 26, 2025 226 pm EST
CrimeBox
Historic Conviction Fiscal Year 2015; Case ID# CR_2649 (North Carolina)
Oyster nursery impacted with illegal dredging activity, defendant sentenced to restore the coastal habitat
The dredging of federal waterways is strictly regulated to protect water quality and wildlife," said Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA's criminal enforcement program in North Carolina. "The defendant repeatedly dredged material in an environmentally sensitive area that has been designated an essential fish habitat. EPA will hold violators accountable as part of its mission to protect human health and the environment."
The defendant in this case is a resident of Surf City, North Carolina and Captain of a recreational marine vessel named "The Raven", also implicated in the case of illegal dredging in a sensitive habitat area. The defendant plead guilty to a felony violation of the Clean Water Act and a violation of the Rivers and Harbors Act, for a series of incidents disturbing an oyster nursery in the summer of 2012.
North Carolina Marine Patrol was alerted of unauthorized dredging taking place in the waters near Surf City on July 29, 2012. Officers responded the same day, finding the defendant "prop washing" with The Raven, disturbing the sediment in a sensitive habitat area.
The defendant was ordered to cease and desist the dredging action immediately. Three hours later, another complaint was called in to Marine Patrol, alleging the defendant still present at the violation site, still dredging in the oyster nursery. A representative for Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) attended the site the next day to check for damage. Measurements taken by CAMA confirmed the disturbance, noted as dredging.
An official Notice of Violation was hand-delivered to the defendant on August 14, 2012, along with a "Request to Cease Unauthorized Development" document. That same morning, August 14, CAMA received another anonymous tip implicating The Raven had been identified at the violation site, engaging in more dredging overnight. CAMA requested support from state and federal agencies. The afternoon of August 14, 2012, EPA Criminal Investigation Division attended the oyster nursery with NC Bureau of Investigation, US Army Corps of Engineers and the NC Marine Patrol. Assessment confirmed additional dredging had occurred.
At sentencing time, the defendant faced up to two years in prison with a maximum fine of $200,000. Rather than impose the federal fine or imprisonment, the judge opted for restorative justice. The defendant was ordered to invest in restoration equivalent to the disturbed area, .21 acres of coastal habitat. The defendant was notified, if the restoration order was not funded within 90 days of sentencing, an additional $50,000 fine could be levied by the court.
Probation: 60 months
See last week's CrimeBox, "Environmental services company convicted for dumping waste into Potomac River", here.
CrimeBox briefs are compiled from EPA Criminal Enforcement records.
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