Michigan Developer May Go to Prison

[AZCat]

link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4037945,00.html

Michigan Developer May Go to Prison

Friday April 30, 2004 11:01 AM

By JOHN FLESHER

Associated Press Writer

WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - John A. Rapanos has spent more than $1 million on attorneys, consultants and fines while tussling with regulators for some 15 years over accusations of illegal wetland destruction.

Now the Midland subdivision developer appears headed for prison in a case highlighting the nationwide debate over the extent of government power to protect privately owned wetlands.

Rapanos was convicted in 1995 of filling wetlands without a permit in mid-Michigan farm country. His case has been on appeal but may have run its course as the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to consider it.

No sentencing date has been set, but the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati earlier recommended a prison term of 10 to 16 months.
<snip>

Interesting case, lots of good stuff in the article.
Any Michigan DUer's know much about this case?

[blindpig]

1. good!!

May he be the first of many of these greedheads who destroy wetlands which cannot be adequately replaced and increase our tax burden to fatten their wallets. Hard labor "mitigating" the damage they have caused works for me.

[noonwitch]

2. I agree-let the punishment fit the crime

I'd be willing to see him given a suspended sentence, if they fine him heavily and make him do community service working to preserve wetlands in other areas where they haven't been destroyed yet.

I wonder who he donated money to in the last 3 or 4 governor's election? The Metro Times needs to investigate, since we know none of the regular newspapers will.

[barbaraann]

3. Donor info for Rapanos

http://www.tray.com/cgi-win/x_allindiv.exe

[Ruby Romaine]

4. fec page

Contributions to Political Committees

RAPANOS, JOHN
MIDLAND, MI 48640
INVESTMENTS

ABRAHAM, SPENCER SENATOR
VIA ABRAHAM SENATE 2000
11/26/1999 1000.00 20020072706

RAPANOS, JUDITH
MIDLAND, MI 48640
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

MIDLAND COUNTY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
04/16/2002 300.00 22037653109

RAPANOS, JUDITH
MIDLAND, MI 48640
HOMEMAKER

MIDLAND COUNTY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
02/16/2000 300.00 20035471571

RAPANOS, JUDITH
MIDLAND, MI 48640
N/A/HOMEMAKER

MICHIGAN REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE
06/10/2003 365.00 23991529445

RAPANOS, JUDITH ANN
MIDLAND, MI 48640
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

CAMP, DAVID LEE
VIA DAVE CAMP FOR CONGRESS '98
04/14/1997 750.00 97032301734

RAPANOS, JUDITH ANN
MIDLAND, MI 48640
HOMEMAKER/VOLUNTEER

MIDLAND COUNTY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
03/06/1997 300.00 97032280045
02/23/1998 300.00 98033012712

RAPANOS, JUDITH N
MIDLAND, MI 48640
HOMEMAKER

MIDLAND COUNTY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
02/20/2003 300.00 23038173829

[AZCat]

5. Thanks! n/t