National Park Service Recognizes Two United States Attorney’s Office Employees

HAMMOND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Assistant United States Attorney Wayne Ault and Senior Civil Investigator Paul Drapac were recognized by the National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for their outstanding work in a civil case to recover damages to park property.

According to Park Superintendent Paul Labovitz; “On March 10, 2012, an Indiana Harbor Belt train passing through the western portions of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore started a series of wildfires.  As the fires raced through the park, they injured or destroyed a variety of park resources, including habitat for the Karner Blue Butterfly, a federally endangered species.  These dangerous fires not only devastated natural and man-made resources, but they also jeopardized the safety of park visitors and local residents.  At one point during the emergency, fires threatened several homes resulting in the partial evacuation of the Town of Ogden Dunes.” 

According to documents in the case, on February 1, 2016 the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company entered a stipulation and agreed judgment for the damages caused to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  After the Court entered judgment, the company paid $72,500 for the damage it caused to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. 

This case was the result of an investigation by the National Park Service. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne Ault and Senior Civil Investigator Paul Drapac. 

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