Coast Guard officer pleads guilty on Honolulu bilge dumping
A U.S. Coast Guard chief warrant officer pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to investigators about the illegal discharge of 2,000 gallons of wastewater from a Coast Guard cutter into Honolulu Harbor in March 2006.
CWO David Williams originally told federal investigators looking into the incident that he knew nothing about the bilge water dumping from the USCG cutter Rush. An anonymous tip told state officials that the Rush discharged the material as it left Honolulu Harbor on a training mission, leading to an investigation by the Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Williams, who was in charge of engine maintenance on the Rush, agreed to a plea bargain that saw an original charge of obstruction of justice changed to making a false statement. As part of the plea agreement, Williams admitted Thursday that he originally lied to investigators.
Set to be sentenced on Aug. 19, Williams faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Coast Guard officer pleads guilty on Honolulu bilge dumping
