A Texas man has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally dumping hazardous chemicals, including laboratory grade cyanide, at multiple sites in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Daniel Winard, 52, formerly of New Mexico and now residing in Houston, was convicted of knowingly endangering others by storing and disposing of hazardous waste without a permit.
Court documents show that Winard inherited property from a retired chemist and discovered a large quantity of dangerous chemicals left behind. After learning about the high costs associated with proper disposal, he chose instead to dump the substances unlawfully at nine different locations around Albuquerque. The chemicals included cyanide, yellow phosphorus, calcium carbide, and thionyl chloride.
Authorities stated that Winard was aware of the risks involved. Some of the dumped chemicals could react violently with water or release poisonous gas. He also acknowledged that first responders or others could be seriously injured if they encountered the waste unexpectedly. At one point, he remarked that “some dumbass fireman” might find the chemicals and “get the surprise of his life.”
The illegal dumping was discovered in August 2018. The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County organized a clean-up operation with help from a private contractor at a cost of nearly $200,000. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later took custody of the remaining waste for analysis.
Federal prosecutors credited local agencies—including the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department and several public works departments—for their efforts in safely removing the hazardous materials before any injuries occurred.
“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 to one count related to knowing endangerment through improper storage and disposal of hazardous waste without authorization from federal or state regulators.
After serving his prison term, Winard will face three years under supervised release and must pay more than $9,500 in restitution.
The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division Southwest Area Branch and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean J. Sullivan.
