Investigations

On January 23, 2019, Wiley Sanders Truck Lines (Wiley Sanders) was charged by information in U.S. District Court, Central District California, Los Angeles, with three counts of willfully and recklessly transporting hazardous materials (hazmat), specifically, lead-contaminated plastic chips.

 

The information alleges that on three dates—August 10, 2013; November 1, 2013; and March 13, 2014—the company transported more than 40,000 pounds of lead-contaminated plastic battery chips from a battery recycling facility in Vernon, California, in a semi-truck trailer without authorized packaging. In total, Wiley Sanders trucks illegally transported 128,840 pounds of the hazmat—a byproduct of the battery recycling process.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this case with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–Criminal Investigation Division and the California Department of Toxic Substance.

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.