A consultant for a natural gas plant in Magoffin County has pleaded guilty to forging a state air quality permit for the plant.

Peter Grimes, who worked for Energy Management and Services Co., delivered an air quality permit to the owner of Newpoint Midstream plant, when in fact the Division of Air Quality had not issued any permit, said a press release Energy and Environment Cabinet.

The state recommended that Grimes be sentenced to three years, with pre-trial diversion possible, and restitution of $5,000 to the plant. Also, prosecutors recommended that for five years, Grimes may not work for anyone seeking state permits or operating natural gas processing facilities, and he may not hold himself out to be a licensed engineer.