In case years of multi-million dollar asbestos cases were not proof enough, a recent judgment makes it clear: the American justice system does not tolerate asbestos-related crimes.
Duane “Butch” O’Malley, the man in question, operated a contracting company called Origin Fire Protection. Prosecutors say that he and his employees improperly removed insulation from a building in Kankakee, Ill. that contained asbestos, collected it in bags and dumped the bags in an open field. Neither O’Malley nor his employees had any proper training in asbestos removal, and he reportedly charged less for his services than someone with a license in asbestos abatement would.
The park where O’Malley dumped the asbestos became contaminated, and his employees were exposed to asbestos, which can cause deadly disease like mesothelioma and lung cancer.
“This sentence is a consequence of the defendant’s flagrant disregard for his workers, the public and the environment in exposing them to dangerous airborne asbestos fibers,” said prosecuting attorney Jim Lewis.
O’Malley was charged with violating the Clean Air Act and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and sentenced to ten years in federal prison. In addition to his prison sentence, O’Malley must pay $47,086 in cleanup fees and $15,000 in fines.
There is no excuse for skirting the law when it comes to asbestos removal. Improper handling of asbestos leads to debilitating, often fatal diseases. If you suspect that someone is breaking asbestos laws, give us a call: 1-888-637-6347. There is no charge for the consultation, and you do not pay unless we win.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – asbestos lawyers