Public Works leader retires amid charges

Harlem's former Public Works director decided to retire while awaiting sentencing on charges of violating federal environmental laws.

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Daniel Webster Cason has been on paid administrative leave from the city since he was indicted last year on environmental violations at the city's wastewater treatment plant. He pleaded guilty March 31 to three of the 11 criminal charges filed against him.

Cason relinquished his duties May 5.

"He submitted his (official) retirement last week," City Manager Jean Dove said Wednesday.

Cason's retirement becomes effective May 31.

Cason acknowledged that in January 2004 he used a portable pump to transfer wastewater from an oxidation pond at the plant into a nearby tributary of Euchee Creek and later falsified water quality records, actions in violation of the Clean Water Act.

Since Cason's administrative leave started, Assistant Public Works Director Robert Fields has served as the interim director.

"He has served as the assistant Public Works director for several years," Dove said.

City officials have not yet decided how to replace Cason but could make Fields' position permanent.