From Chelsea Phua:
The owner of a company that cleans up abandoned and foreclosed homes has pleaded no contest to illegally disposing hazardous waste, according to the Sacramento County District Attorney's office.
Joji "George" Rakabu pleaded on Monday. He faces a 90-day suspended jail sentence and a fine of $5,000. He also agreed to pay restitution for clean up and investigation expenses, according to a press release.
Rakabu's business, George's Clean-up Service, contracted with a property management company and was cleaning at least five properties a day, the release said. Rakabu and his employees attempted to dispose large amounts of hazardous waste without the proper licensing or permits to transport or dispose them, the release said.
Authorities say that on several occasions, Rakabu's rented trucks were leaking hazardous waste and when opened, containers of waste would fall out. The hazardous material included waste oil, antifreeze, latex paint, pesticides, acids, gasoline, flammable solids, propane cylinders and carbon dioxide cylinders, the release said.
Deputy District Attorney Jane Crue said that the situation could have resulted in serious injuries to people and damages to properties.
"With this type activity on the rise due to the economy and the increase in foreclosures, property managers should be aware that if they hire unlicensed waste haulers who practice illegal activities, they are also in violation of the law," Crue said.
Rakabu is scheduled to be sentenced on April 20, the release said.
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