Wolf Pleads Guilty

Larry Wolf, a 54-year-old developer from Dakota City, Nebraska, has pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act by mishandling asbestos during the demolition and renovation of the old YMCA building in downtown Sioux City.

According to the US Department of Justice, Wolf purchased the building in 2009 and was aware that it contained asbestos. However, he failed to thoroughly inspect the building to determine the amount of asbestos present, which is a requirement under the Clean Air Act.

Wolf admitted that he was informed about the presence of asbestos by the building’s former custodian, who showed him around the building and told him about the asbestos. He also received an estimate of $171,792.00 for asbestos removal and related activities from an environmental remediation and demolition firm.

Despite this knowledge, Wolf proceeded to demolish, renovate, and remove asbestos-containing materials from the building, violating the Clean Air Act’s work-practice standards. He also sold metals from the building, including copper, brass, and aluminum, after removing regulated asbestos-containing material wrappings, earning him around $80,000.00.

Wolf’s actions put his employees at risk, and when one of them asked if the building was safe to work in, he falsely claimed that it had been abated for asbestos. The case was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.

Wolf faces a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. His sentencing will be determined after a presentence report is prepared, and he remains free on bond pending the outcome.

The case highlights the importance of complying with environmental regulations, particularly when it comes to handling hazardous materials like asbestos. Wolf’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that violating these regulations can have serious consequences, both for the environment and for those responsible.

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