New York, NY – Andre Parker, owner of Parker Environmental Management Group (PEMG), was sentenced to 48 months in prison and 36 months of probation in 2005 following a sprawling investigation into fraudulent asbestos abatement practices across New York State. The case, which spanned several years and involved multiple co-conspirators, revealed a systematic scheme to falsify laboratory results and illegally perform asbestos removal, putting public health at serious risk.
According to court documents, Parker and PEMG deliberately falsified laboratory analysis reports, falsely indicating that hazardous asbestos had been properly removed from numerous construction and renovation projects throughout New York City, central New York, and the Plattsburgh area. This deception allowed asbestos abatement companies to falsely claim compliance with environmental regulations, potentially exposing workers and the public to the dangerous substance.
The scheme extended beyond mere falsification. Parker directed his employees to conduct illegal asbestos abatement work within 31 public housing buildings in Plattsburgh, NY. This unauthorized removal violated strict regulations designed to protect residents from asbestos exposure, a known carcinogen. The Plattsburgh Housing Authority ultimately became a key party impacted by the fraud, requiring significant restitution to cover the costs of remediation and ensuring proper safety measures were implemented.
Legal Ramifications and Co-Conspirators
The investigation, led by federal and state authorities, resulted in a multitude of charges against Parker and PEMG. Parker initially faced 19 counts, including conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371), fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), influencing an officer (18 U.S.C. 1503), false declaration (18 U.S.C. 1623), false claims (18 U.S.C. 287), and multiple violations of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)). PEMG was similarly charged, excluding the charge relating to false statements made before a court. Co-conspirator Jose Escobar pled guilty to conspiracy and received 48 months probation and was ordered to pay $99,651 in restitution. Another individual, Michael Duffy, was charged with violating New York State Penal Code 175.30 and received a one-month jail sentence and a $750 fine.
Ultimately, Parker pled guilty to all but three of the initial charges. In addition to his prison sentence and probation, he was ordered to pay an $800 special assessment fee. PEMG also pled guilty to all counts and was sentenced to 24 months probation and a $4,400 special assessment fee. The severity of the sentencing reflects the deliberate and widespread nature of the fraud, and the potential for long-term health consequences for those exposed to improperly handled asbestos.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Andre Parker, owner of Parker Environmental Management Group (PEMG)
- Crime: Fraudulent asbestos abatement practices, falsification of laboratory results, and illegal asbestos removal.
- Location: New York City, central and upstate New York, specifically Plattsburgh.
- Year: 2005
- Laws Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy), 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Fraud), 18 U.S.C. 1503 (Influencing Officer), 18 U.S.C. 1623 (False Declaration), 18 U.S.C. 287 (False Claims), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act Violation), 42 U.S.C. 9603 (CERCLA Violation), NYS Penal Code 175.30
- Penalties: Andre Parker – 48 months incarceration, 36 months probation, $800 assessment. PEMG – 24 months probation, $4,400 assessment. Jose Escobar – 48 months probation, $99,651 restitution. Michael Duffy – 1 month incarceration, $750 fine.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and hold those who endanger public health accountable.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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