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Summary

On June 23, 2014, the United States Attorney's Office, Harrisburg, PA announced the filing of a one-count information charging Raymond George with the illegal transportation of hazardous materials in connection with his operation of George Welding & Supply (GWS) in Montoursville, Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, the information alleged that from January 2001 through January 2012, George fraudulently certified that GWS properly tested cylinders containing hazardous gases. The information alleged that GWS was not authorized to test cylinders, but George applied false markings in the form of illicit Requalifier Identification Numbers (RIN) to the cylinders. He then leased the cylinders creating a situation where GWS either  transported or allowed others to  transport the falsely stamped cylinders. The suspect cylinders contained hazardous gases including argon, acetylene, carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, and oxygen.

The investigation determined that George illegally stamped RIN's on compressed gas cylinders without having the proper registration and certification as required by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). He illegally utilized RIN's that were issued by the PHMSA to multiple registered and certified companies across the United States.

Note:  Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.