Christopher L. Gattarello, Clean Air Act Violations and $1.2M Fraud…

Cleveland man Christopher L. Gattarello, along with two accomplices, has been indicted by federal prosecutors for violating the Clean Air Act and defrauding a Louisiana company out of nearly $1.2 million.

Gattarello, 50, was also charged in state court with illegally dumping garbage in Cleveland, according to law enforcement officials.

The trio is accused of failing to remove asbestos from a former factory before demolition, and then defrauding the company that owned the facility out of significant funds. Gattarello, Willam S. Jackson, Jr., 44, and Robert A. Shaw, Sr., 74, face serious federal charges for their actions.

United States Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach vowed to hold Gattarello accountable, stating, ‘We will not allow our neighborhoods to be used as garbage dumps.’ The incident has been described as inexcusable by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, who emphasized the environmental and health threats posed by illegal dumping.

Craig W. Butler, Director of the Ohio EPA, praised the efforts of investigators, noting that Ohio EPA will not tolerate reckless disregard for public health and welfare. IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Enstrom highlighted their commitment to unraveling complex financial schemes and holding criminals accountable.

Gattarello, who owned several garbage-hauling businesses in Cleveland, directed the illegal disposal of waste at the former National Acme facility, leading to a massive dumpsite. The federal indictment details Gattarello’s fraudulent activities and his intent to demolish the facility for profit.

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