Md. Man Charged In $9M Plot To Sell Fuel Credits

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Federal prosecutors have charged a Perry Hall man with selling renewable fuel credits when his company did not produce any renewable fuel.

Rodney R. Hailey, 33, was charged Monday with wire fraud, money laundering and violating the Clean Air Act.

Authorities say Hailey, who owned Clean Green Fuel, LLC, produced identification numbers which supposedly matched with production of biodiesel fuel. Prosecutors say Hailey did not produce any renewable fuel, but made up identification numbers.

Officials say Hailey sold more than 32 million made up identification number purporting to represent 22 million gallons of biodiesel fuel to brokers and oil companies for $9 million.

Prosecutors say Hailey used the money to buy luxury vehicles, real estate and jewelry.

The criminal information seeks forfeiture of $9 million.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)