Leon County Contractor Convicted On Numerous Felony Counts

--Charges range from felony dumping to attempted manslaughter—

TALLAHASSEE – Thomas S. Tramel, III, Director of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Law Enforcement, today announced the conviction of John D. Robinson, 56, of Tallahassee. Robinson’s conviction culminates a five-month investigation in which DEP’s law enforcement officers, led by Special Agent Steve Kelly, were assisted by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The case was prosecuted by State Attorney Willie Megg’s office.

Mr. Robinson, a local contractor who has done demolition work under the names of Robinson Demolition and Robinson Cleanup at Lake Bradford Estates, was convicted on the following charges:

• One (1) felony count of illegal disposal of solid waste in excess of 500 pounds
• One (1) felony count of illegal disposal of hazardous waste
• Four (4) counts of attempted manslaughter
• One (1) count of resisting an officer without violence

Robinson was adjudicated guilty on all counts. He received 221 days in the Leon County Jail -- where he is currently being held -- 10 years probation, and restitution in the amount of $5,297 to DEP’s Bureau of Emergency Response and $6,020 to DEP for reimbursement of investigative costs. In addition, Robinson was ordered to pay restitution to the land owners for remediation costs and clean up. During his probation he is not permitted to consume any alcohol or use drugs other than those prescribed by a physician. Should he violate any terms of the probation, Robinson can be sent directly to prison.

"This is a major victory," said Tramel, "not only for DEP, but for our environment and for the people of our state. It means that the courts are beginning to recognize that these types of crimes are very serious and will not be tolerated. Once again, DEP has proven its commitment to protect our environment and bring to justice those who willfully and intentionally violate Florida’s environmental laws."