Metal recyclers continue to flout safety laws despite charges: LADA
The owners of a controversial metal recycling company in Watts may find themselves back behind bars after allegedly violating the conditions of their pre-trial release.
As detailed by the nonprofit Watts Labor Community Action Committee, the motion filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office alleges that the S&W Atlas Iron & Metal Co. owners, Gary Weisenberg and his son Matthew Weisenberg, “pose a threat to public safety.”
The motion claims the business is flouting the rules of their release, specifically by accepting “combustible materials” after a judge ordered them to not do so.
Atlas Metals was already under scrutiny for a series of incidents including the Aug. 12, 2024, explosion that rattled the business’s neighbor, Jordan High School, located at 2265 E. 103rd St.
The business has also faces allegations of improperly disposing hazardous waste and endangering Jordan High students with what the Los Angeles Unified School District described as “sharp metal projectiles, debris, metallic dust, and other objects to be launched or emitting from their property.”
Such safety issues date back to 2017, prosecutors allege.
The Weisenbergs and Atlas Metals were indicted on 25 counts last year, and the owners have pleaded not guilty.
They were released on their own recognizance, but now, prosecutors want them jailed and bail set at $1 million.
“In addition, we ask the court to order Atlas to be closed until it proves it can operate without ongoing violations of the law,” the motion says.
Timothy Wakins, CEO of WLCAC, supported the prosecutors’ request in the nonprofit’s news release.
“In any other criminal case, a defendant who continues to break the law and endanger the public would be taken into custody. Why should Atlas Metals be treated any differently?” Wakins said. “Their reckless disregard for safety is putting children and our broader community in harm’s way, and it’s time for the court to hold them accountable.”
A hearing on the bail issue is expected to be held Thursday morning in Los Angeles Superior Court.
A representative for Atlas Metals declined to comment when reached by phone.