Attorney General's News Release

June 28, 1999

Nixon files criminal charge alleging St. Peters man intentionally dumped carpet cleaning solution into creek

St. Charles, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed a criminal charge against Dale Lauer of St. Peters, alleging that Lauer (DOB - 3/23/58) committed a criminal violation of Missouri's Clean Water Law by willfully discharging waste carpet cleaning solution from a holding tank on a van into a creek in St. Charles County. Lauer is the owner of St. Peters Flooring Systems.

The alleged incident occurred on Dec. 5, 1998, and was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which referred its findings to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution. No trial date has yet been set for Lauer.

The charge against Lauer of unlawful discharge of water contaminants from a point source is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of no less than $2,500 and no more than $25,000. As in all criminal cases, the charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818