Indictment: Wamego Wastewater Operator Violated Clean Water Act

TOPEKA, KAN. – An operator of the Wamego Wastewater Treatment Facility was indicted today on federal charges of violating the Clean Water Act, said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

David Schleif, 47, Belvue, Kan., was charged with discharging untreated or inadequately treated sewage from the Wamego Wastewater Treatment Facility into the Kansas River. The crime is alleged to have occurred between May 2017 and August 2019.

In addition, he was charged with 19 counts of including falsified data in discharge monitoring reports. The falsified reports showed lower levels of biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and E. coli than indicated by actual tests results.

If convicted, Schleif could face a penalty of up to three years in federal prison on the discharge count and up to two years and a fine up to $10,000 on each of the other counts. The Environmental Protection Division – Office of Criminal Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 Angelica Maria Alvarez, 38, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 27, 2020, in Shawnee County, Kan.
 

If convicted, she could face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The U.S. Postal Service investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.