Cortland man gets probation in federal brine-dumping case

YOUNGSTOWN — The man who pleaded guilty to dumping oilfield waste into a Mahoning River tributary late in 2012 and early in 2013 has been sentenced to three years’ probation and 300 hours of community service.

U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent in Cleveland imposed the sentence today on Michael P. Guesman, 34, of Cortland, but did not impose on him any fine or restitution.

Guesman had pleaded guilty Aug. 29, 2013, to one count of violating the federal Clean Water Act by dumping brine and drilling mud down a storm drain.

Guesman’s boss, Ben Lupo, 62, of Poland, and Lupo’s company, Hardrock Excavating LLC, earlier pleaded not guilty to the same charge, but Lupo is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com