A Texas man has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally disposing of hazardous chemicals, including laboratory-grade cyanide, at multiple sites in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Daniel Winard, 52, of Houston, received the sentence after pleading guilty to knowingly endangering others by storing and dumping hazardous waste without a permit.
Court documents show that Winard inherited property in New Mexico from a retired chemist who had left behind various dangerous chemicals. After learning from local officials that proper disposal would be costly, Winard arranged to unlawfully dump the substances—including cyanide, yellow phosphorus, calcium carbide, and thionyl chloride—at nine locations around Albuquerque without authorization from either the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the State of New Mexico.
Winard was aware of the significant dangers associated with these chemicals. He knew some could react violently with water or release poisonous gases and acknowledged they posed immediate risks to people and the environment. At one point, he commented that “some dumbass fireman” might find them and “get the surprise of his life.”
The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County undertook an extensive clean-up effort using a private contractor when the illegal dumps were discovered in August 2018. The cleanup cost local authorities nearly $200,000 before the EPA took custody and analyzed the waste.
Federal prosecutors recognized several agencies for their roles in ensuring safe removal: the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department; Natural Resources Section of Bernalillo County Public Works Department; City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department; and Hazardous Waste Bureau of New Mexico Environment Department.
“There is no excuse for putting lives, property, and the environment at risk by dumping hazardous chemicals,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “We will not tolerate reckless disregard for our communities’ safety. Those who endanger others for their own convenience can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates EPA’s commitment to safeguarding the public by investigating crimes and prosecuting people who knowingly endanger lives,” said Kim Bahney, EPA Special Agent in Charge. “Our investigation uncovered that the defendant deliberately discarded dangerous and reactive hazardous wastes in multiple areas, intending to ‘surprise’ first responders.”
Winard pleaded guilty on April 25, 2022. In addition to his prison term, he must serve three years on supervised release after leaving prison and pay $9,527.55 in restitution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and EPA Special Agent in Charge Kim Bahney announced today’s outcome.
The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division Southwest Area Branch; Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean J. Sullivan handled prosecution.
