Daniel CalhounFULTON COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
CBS Atlanta News questioned a Fulton County businessman Tuesday for running an illegal grease operation at 7085 Roosevelt Highway.
"If you could give me a week to talk to an attorney to see if the plea they offered me is correct, I would appreciate that," defendant Daniel Calhoun told a judge.
Calhoun begged for more time and a lesser sentence in Environmental Magistrate Court after being cited for illegally storing several gallons of restaurant grease on his business property.
"Anytime you're operating from an environmental perspective where you could possibly impact streams and water, water consumption, well water and all types of things, those are very serious charges," said Fulton County Code Enforcement employee Wayne Wright.
CBS Atlanta News began asking Calhoun's business Tough Questions in June when we learned about the grease operation, even though they were listed as a truck-driving business online.
Fulton County officials tried to negotiate a plea with Calhoun in court Tuesday. The solicitor wanted him to pay a $6,000 fine, but Calhoun said he didn't have the money.
CBS Atlanta News tried to ask Calhoun what he thought about the charges.
"I didn't know I was really doing anything wrong. I'm on industrial property," Calhoun said.
Calhoun decided to retain legal counsel and return to court next month. He said he was using the grease to make fuel for off-road trucks.
Code enforcement said Calhoun's property on Roosevelt Highway is still in violation and he'll have to explain that to the judge in September.
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