March 18, 2025 – Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office statement from District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman on S&W Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. court order to cease accepting and processing new material.

DA Hochman said, “This is a historic day for Watts, Jordan High School and criminal justice—for the first time, after decades of endangering children with metal projectiles and hazardous waste, Atlas Metals has been ordered to stop accepting and processing new material, essentially shutting down operations. For decades, as alleged in court, Atlas Metals has recklessly allowed deadly shrapnel to be launched onto the property of Jordan High School and contaminated the school with lead and other toxic chemicals. For 70 years, as alleged in court, Atlas Metals has collected all the profits, and the children at Jordan High School have borne all the risks. This will not stand. Under my watch, environmental crimes will be punished to the full extent of the law, and those who threaten public safety, especially those who harm children, will be held accountable. I thank Assistant Head Deputy District Attorney Daniel Wright and Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Valenzuela of LADA’s Environmental Crimes Division for relentlessly fighting for the health and safety of the students at Jordan High School and the entire Watts community.”

Source: Los Angeles County Attorney’s Office