Concord, NC – A former asbestos training coordinator at NovaCor Consulting Group, LLC, has been sentenced for her role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain asbestos worker licenses in North Carolina. Ana Yorling Rugama Sanchez, 2022, pleaded guilty to violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act and was sentenced on May 25, 2022, to two years of probation and a $1,500 fine.
The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, revealed a deliberate effort to circumvent federal regulations surrounding asbestos worker training and certification. According to court documents, Sanchez directed Victor Pena Lopez, an asbestos abatement supervisor and trainer also employed by NovaCor, to sign off on certificates of completion for refresher courses that attendees never actually completed. These falsified certificates were then submitted to state regulators as proof of required training, enabling individuals to obtain asbestos worker licenses they were not legitimately entitled to.
The fraud extended beyond simply signing off on uncompleted courses. In July 2018, Sanchez herself certified training for a course that demonstrably failed to meet the necessary standards for certification, further illustrating a systemic disregard for safety protocols and regulatory compliance. Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk, potentially leading to debilitating diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Proper training and licensing are critical to ensuring workers handle the dangerous material safely, protecting both themselves and the public.
Pena Lopez, who also entered a guilty plea, was sentenced to one year of probation and a $1,000 fine. The collaborative nature of the scheme highlights a troubling breakdown in oversight and ethical conduct within NovaCor Consulting Group. While the EPA’s investigation focused on Sanchez and Pena Lopez, the agency has not ruled out further investigation into the company’s practices and potential culpability.
Legal Ramifications
Sanchez and Pena Lopez were convicted of violating 15 U.S.C. 2615(b)(1) and 18 U.S.C. 2, specifically relating to false statements and the Toxic Substances Control Act. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulates the manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, including asbestos. Falsifying training records directly undermines the Act’s intent to protect public health and the environment. The penalties reflect the seriousness of the offenses, but critics argue that the relatively light sentencing may not be a sufficient deterrent to similar fraudulent activity.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ana Yorling Rugama Sanchez
- Co-Defendant: Jose Carlos “Victor” Pena Lopez
- Location: Concord, North Carolina
- Crime: Asbestos training and certification fraud
- Statutes Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2615(b)(1), 18 U.S.C. 2
- Sentencing: Sanchez – 2 years probation, $1,500 fine; Pena Lopez – 1 year probation, $1,000 fine
- Company Involved: NovaCor Consulting Group, LLC
The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against those who knowingly violate environmental laws and endanger public health. This case serves as a stark reminder that falsifying environmental compliance documentation is a federal crime with serious consequences. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case for any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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