The EPA alleged Robertson allowed dirt from the ponds to enter a tributary of nearby Cataract Creek.
The federal agency subsequently charged and convicted Robertson of three counts of destruction and degradation of publicly owned property. He was sentenced to 18 months in a federal prison.
Veteran serving time in federal prison for digging ponds
Updated May 29, 2017
DENVER — Friends of 77-year-old Joe Robertson describe him as self reliant, kind and gentle.
“He has a kind heart. He served our country. He’s a veteran,” said Lindsay Szymanski, a friend of Robertson’s.
Robertson owns property near Big Limber Gulch in Jefferson County, Mont.
He excavated several ponds on his property for livestock and fire mitigation. But the Environmental Protection Agency did not like that idea and told him to stop. Robertson, with his stubborn side showing, dug the ponds nevertheless.
The EPA alleged Robertson allowed dirt from the ponds to enter a tributary of nearby Cataract Creek.
The federal agency subsequently charged and convicted Robertson of three counts of destruction and degradation of publicly owned property. He was sentenced to 18 months in a federal prison.
The merits of the conviction are troubling to family and friends but right now, their first concern is Robertson’s health.
“He is in Colorado being abused and neglected. He’s being denied visitors. He’s isolated. They put in solitary, (confinement) for a week,” Szymanski said.
Physically weak, Robertson said he recently passed out in a prison counselor’s office.
“They accused me of faking this. They gave me a cane and told me I could go. They brought me up in an elevator in a wheelchair and I had to walk down three flights of stairs,” he said.
Robertson’s family and supporters have been in touch with Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner’s office. They are looking into the allegations of medical neglect.
“I don’t know why I have to endure the for putting ponds on my property,” Robertson said.
Dan Daru
Several organizations have taken up the cause of Joe Robertson.
Team America PAC is asking Americans to post the following image on social media, and tag President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and use the hashtag #FreeJoeRobertson
Please call the White House directly and leave your request to free Joe Robertson. (202) 456-1111.
And post the following image on social media, also with the hashtag, #FreeJoeRobertson
Updates about Joe Robertson are posted on the Facebook page Free Navy Veteran Joe Robertson.
What do the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADMINISTRATION NAZIS say when it floods ??? Do they put Mother Nature in Prison???!!! WTF!!!
Good response!!
And a very good point!!
looks like he dug 9 holes and they were not for “livestock and fire mitigation” they were for “discharged dredged and fill materials” related to a mining claim he had in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. someone needs to double check these articles.
(sourse: http://flatheadbeacon.com/2016/07/20/montana-man-sentenced-clean-water-act-violations/)
You assume the government is not the ones lying here.
That assumption is usually unwarranted.
So what. The holes still on his property.
Mishelle McCormic…even if what you say is true, does that warrant the abuse and mistreatment he is receiving???? At this point, if the “I’s” aren’t dotted and the “t’s” aren’t crossed, does that really make a difference in what his situation is now??
What? It’s pretty clear that there is a huge bias slant in the reporting on this article so why would folk’s be inclined to believe the accounts about his treatment in jail?