WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that James M. Dolmetsch has pleaded guilty to conspiracy with at least three other individuals to the smuggling of CFC-12 refrigerant into the U.S. from Canada in 1996.

Dolmetsch admitted to brokering the sale of the smuggled refrigerant to purchasers in the U.S. He also admitted that the conspiracy successfully smuggled and resold 63,600 lbs of CFC-12 into the country.

When sentenced, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Customs Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's office in Detroit, MI.