Anthony Priore, Fraud, NY 2004

Schenectady, NY – Anthony Priore was among a group of individuals sentenced in 2004 following a multi-year investigation into widespread fraud related to asbestos training and potential environmental violations in the Albany, New York area. The case, originating from concerns raised by the New York State Department of Health’s Asbestos Safety Training Program, revealed a scheme to issue fraudulent asbestos training certifications to individuals who had not completed the necessary coursework.

The investigation, which began to unfold in 1999 with initial charges of conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371) against several individuals including Priore, quickly expanded to encompass charges of mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), making false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001), and violations of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)). Authorities alleged that Environmental Support Systems (ESS), the company at the center of the scheme, was knowingly providing certifications to unqualified individuals, potentially endangering public health and violating federal regulations governing asbestos handling.

Priore, along with co-defendants Jubic, Mantynen, Costell, Andrew, Jubrey, Latant, and Nusca, initially faced conspiracy charges in June 1999. Over the next several years, a series of guilty pleas and sentencing hearings occurred. Latant received 12 months probation, while Nusca and Jubrey faced short jail sentences coupled with probation and fines. Further investigation led to additional charges against Mancuso, Miller, Young, and Beeche, broadening the scope of the fraudulent activity to include illegal asbestos removal and disposal practices.

While some defendants cooperated with authorities – notably Miller, who received a reduced sentence of six months home confinement in exchange for information – others faced significant penalties. Young was sentenced to 15 months incarceration and three years of probation, while Mancuso was sentenced to six months home confinement and three years probation after pleading guilty to violating the Clean Air Act. Beeche ultimately received a 60-month probation sentence, along with restitution and a substantial federal fine.

Priore himself pled guilty to two counts and was sentenced to 12 months probation, a $25 special assessment fee, and a $500 federal fine in October 1999. The relatively light sentence, compared to some of his co-defendants, remains a point of interest given the potential environmental and public health risks associated with unqualified individuals handling asbestos. The case highlights the importance of rigorous oversight in asbestos abatement training programs and the severe consequences for those who attempt to circumvent these regulations.

The investigation underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing the Clean Air Act and holding individuals accountable for fraudulent practices that threaten public safety. The complex web of charges and varying sentences demonstrates the thoroughness of the federal investigation and the prosecution’s efforts to address multiple layers of criminal activity. The fallout from the ESS scandal serves as a stark warning to others considering similar schemes.

Key Facts

Defendant: Anthony Priore
Location: Schenectady and Albany, New York
Year of Sentencing: 2004 (Investigation began 1999)
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act), 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud), 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements), 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy), 18 U.S.C. 3146
Penalties: Sentences ranged from probation and fines to incarceration and substantial financial penalties. Priore received 12 months probation, $25 special assessment, and $500 fine.
Nature of Crime: Fraudulent issuance of asbestos training certificates and illegal asbestos handling.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases