Bobby Babak Khalili, 46, of Los Angeles, California, pleaded guilty to violating federal Clean Air Act regulations at two apartment complexes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Khalili, the manager of Las Vegas Apartments LLC, admitted to overseeing renovation activities at both complexes, despite knowing that they contained asbestos-containing materials.
Khalili hired untrained individuals to tear out these materials without following asbestos work practice standards, releasing asbestos fibers into the surrounding atmosphere. He also attempted to evade law enforcement at each site, including instructing a contractor to lie to inspectors about who owned and oversaw the project.
The Clean Air Act requires that asbestos-containing materials be safely removed prior to general renovation activity taking place, and that they be kept wet at all times to prevent dust from escaping. Asbestos-containing materials must be sealed in leak-proof bags and disposed of at facilities authorized to accept asbestos waste.
Asbestos inhalation has been determined to cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, an invariably fatal disease. Congress and the EPA have determined that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.
Khalili faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is currently scheduled for June 15, 2022.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada stated that the defendant’s actions put the health of the community at risk, including workers at two apartment renovation sites. The office is committed to working with state and federal partners to enforce environmental laws that protect Nevadans from hazardous pollutants.
Khalili’s guilty plea is a significant step towards holding accountable those who defy federal law aimed at protecting the public from adverse health effects of asbestos.
Defendant: Bobby Babak Khalili
Criminal Charges: Two counts of violating the Clean Air Act
City and State: Las Vegas, Nevada
Date: 2022 (sentencing scheduled for June 15)
Sentence: Up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count, and up to three years of supervised release
Dollar Amount: $250,000
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Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Category: Environmental Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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