COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An Ohio man pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating the Clean Air Act by releasing a refrigerant into the air during the theft of dozens of air conditioning units.

Martin Chester Eldridge of Columbus.

Martin Eldridge, 35, of Columbus and others stole at least 49 units between August and October last year, releasing the refrigerant when tubing that connected units to houses and businesses was cut, federal prosecutors said.



Eldridge pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of knowingly venting the refrigerant HCFC-22 into the environment. That refrigerant is sold under trade names including Freon.



Eldridge will serve 31 months in prison under terms of the plea. His attorney declined to comment.



Eldridge pleaded guilty to related state charges of theft, failure to appear and drug possession in April. Sentencing is scheduled for August.