Findings of the Investigation
An investigation led by the Orange County and San Bernardino County District Attorneys, alongside the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, found that starting in 2019 Verizon failed at multiple sites to comply with reporting requirements, provide mandatory training, permit inspections, and pay fees.
After being notified, prosecutors said Verizon cooperated, paid outstanding permit fees, corrected violations, and adopted new policies to ensure future compliance.
Breakdown of the $7.7 Million Payment
Under the stipulated final judgment, Verizon will pay:
-
$7,125,000 in civil penalties
-
$375,000 toward Supplemental Environmental Compliance Projects
-
$200,000 in investigative costs
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will receive more than $800,000, largely to support the prosecution of environmental crime cases.
Agencies Behind the Case
Participating agencies included the district attorneys of Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties, along with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Daniel Wright of the Environmental Crimes Division.
