CALVERT COUNTY MAN CHARGED FOR ILLEGAL WELL DRILLING

Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. announced today that John E. Branham, 71, of the 3100 block of Mills Pond Road in Port Republic, Maryland was charged in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County with illegal well drilling.

The charging document alleges that on April 19, 2004 Branham practiced well drilling without a license at a residence located on the 1400 block of Hoppa Road in Anne Arundel County. In addition, Branham faces one count of drilling a well without a permit at that same location. If convicted, the defendant could face up to one year in prison and/or a fine of $1,000 for each count.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was prosecuted by the Environment Crimes Unit of the Attorney General’s Office, with the assistance of the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the Maryland State Police. A trial date has not been set.

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