Atlas Ship Management Ltd., a Turkish Corporation, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Tampa, Fla. to federal charges of making false statements and knowingly failing to accurately maintain an Oil Record Book as required by international treaty and U.S. law, Assistant Attorney General Ignacia S. Moreno and U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announced today.

The company was sentenced to pay an $800,000 criminal fine, pay $100,000 in community service to the Pinellas County, Fla., Environmental Fund, and to implement a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Program that requires detailed inspection and auditing of the defendant's ships that sail into the United States.

"As this case clearly demonstrates, there is no benefit to deliberately bypassing pollution prevention equipment and dumping oil waste into the ocean. This is simply criminal behavior," said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. "Thanks to a tip from crew members, the operators of the M/V Avenue Star will pay a significant penalty for breaking the law."

"The investigation and prosecution of this case sends a clear message to owners and operators of commercial vessels that those who choose to intentionally pollute our oceans will be held accountable," said U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill."

"The oceans must be protected from shipping companies that look to cut corners by dumping waste improperly," said Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA's Criminal Enforcement program for the Tampa region. "Illegally disposed waste endangers the environment and today's action sends a clear message that those who violate the law and pollute our waters will be vigorously prosecuted."