Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Michael Kulikoff, a 39-year-old from California City and a city councilmember, was arrested today. He faces an indictment for conspiracy to transport hazardous waste without a manifest, potentially risking death or serious bodily injury. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal the events began in February 2024, when Kulikoff, who also owns a car wash business, was alerted to a mercury spill at his establishment. The incident occurred on February 25, 2024, when an SUV, contaminated with mercury from a spilled jar, was driven to a residence in California City by an individual who then contacted emergency services due to symptoms of mercury exposure.
Emergency personnel detected mercury levels inside the SUV about 20 times above permissible limits. They isolated the vehicle with caution tape and closed the car wash. Kulikoff's initial attempt to manage the cleanup himself was halted by emergency services, declaring the area as unsafe due to hazardous materials.
The following morning, Kulikoff allegedly conspired with another individual to relocate the contaminated SUV outside California City. The relocation reportedly took place while emergency services were addressing a false fire report. The SUV was subsequently found outside city limits by Kern County emergency services at another individual’s residence, who also experienced mercury exposure symptoms.
The investigation is led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Spivak and Arelis M. Clemente.
If found guilty, Kulikoff could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge, plus up to 15 years in prison and a $50,000 daily fine for endangering others. Sentencing will consider federal guidelines and other factors. The charges are currently allegations, awaiting court determination.
