Man Charged for release of hazardous chemicals downtown

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis man is facing charges for storing and disposing of hazardous waste improperly near downtown.

United States Attorney Joe Hogsett announced Tuesday that Euranus Johnson has been charged with the unlawful storage and disposal of hazardous waste after an investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Johnson is also charged with Social Security fraud.

"This office is committed to protecting the public from the dangers posed by hazardous waste and seeking just punishment for those whose proven disregard for the law puts our neighborhoods at risk," said Hogsett.

The information alleges that Johnson, the owner and operator of The Antique Chrome
Shop at 1925 Massachusetts Avenue, near downtown Indianapolis, illegally stored and disposed of hazardous waste at the facility from January 2011 through June 2011. According to the allegations within the information, a renter at the property was washing the floor of the facility when the water reacted to chemicals left behind by Mr. Johnson. This allegedly caused a toxic green liquid to flow down the driveway into the streets of the nearby residential neighborhood.

Prosecutors say that Johnson faces a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $50,000 per day fine on the hazardous waste charge. He also faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted on the Social Security fraud charge.