This guy stole from a fund that pays for fuel tank removal at Gas Stations in Illinois. Much like abandoned mines, abandoned bore holes, and most landfills, abandoned fuel tanks are a huge environmental issue. If the IEPA can’t even protect the funds, how the hell can they protect us. Me really.

http://illinoistimes.com/article-16009-five-years-for-%252413-million-rip-off.html

Michael Keebler sounded sorry Monday when he finally faced the music.

He turned emotional, putting his forehead down on the defense table for several minutes after tearfully apologizing to U.S. District Court Judge Sue Myerscough, who sentenced him to five years for stealing more than $13 million from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

“I don’t get emotional ever,” Keebler told the judge. “I’ve worked ever since I was born. I’ve worked to help my mom out. This has just killed her. It’s torn my family apart. … I can make more money if I need to – that’s not the issue. I can’t come back and spend the time (in prison) with my kids.”

It could have been worse for Keebler, who faced a maximum of 20 years in prison if he’d fought the charges. Instead, he pleaded guilty last spring in a plea bargain that should have him out of prison in time to see his eldest child graduate from high school.

Keebler, an engineer who lives in Sherman, stole millions from the IEPA in massive fraud scheme that went undetected for a dozen years. The money came from a surcharge on gasoline sales that was supposed to pay to clean up leaking underground storage tanks. It was supposed to keep drinking water clean and protect public health. Instead, it went into the pockets of Keebler and his co-defendants, including two of his brothers, who have also pleaded guilty and are expected to receive lesser sentences.

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Go there and read. More next week.

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