Robert Fred Smith, a 45-year-old resident of La Mesa, California, was accused of polluting nearby San Diego Bay with concrete, scrap metal, plastic and other waste resulting from the renovation of a large fishing vessel in 2006, in a bid to avoid disposal costs.

The boat’s owner, 58-year-old Joseph O’Connor, was also indicted over the incident. However, both men were out of the US when the charges were filed in 2007.

In 2008, Interpol issued wanted notices for both men, who were apparently living together in Malta.

On July 1, 2009, a new extradition treaty between the US and Malta came into force, opening the door for the men’s arrest. Based on a tip sent to the EPA, US agents confirmed Mr O’Connor’s whereabouts and arrested him later that month.

According to the EPA, Mr Smith turned himself in following Mr O’Connor’s arrest. He was arraigned on Monday, at the US District Court in San Diego.

Mr O’Connor is currently in custody and going through the extradition process.

Both men are being charged with the unlawful discharge of pollutants and plastics, conspiracy and making false statements.

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