Des Moines, IA – Bobby Joe Knapp, former owner and operator of the historic Equitable Building in downtown Des Moines, was brought to justice for knowingly endangering workers and the public during a large-scale renovation project. Knapp received a 41-month federal prison sentence on June 22, 2011, after pleading guilty to charges related to the illegal removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. The case highlights a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and worker safety, exposing individuals to a known carcinogen in the pursuit of profit.
From 2005 to 2008, Knapp oversaw the conversion of multiple floors of the Equitable Building into luxury condominiums and commercial spaces. Federal investigators determined that Knapp, in concert with construction manager Russell Coco, deliberately circumvented Clean Air Act regulations designed to protect against the dangers of asbestos exposure. Testimony revealed that asbestos-containing materials were removed from the building and discarded in an uncovered dumpster, releasing dangerous dust into the surrounding environment. Workers, including a disabled individual, were not provided with essential personal protective equipment, nor were they instructed on safe demolition practices, such as wetting the tiles before removal to minimize airborne particles.
The investigation, conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, revealed a systematic failure to adhere to basic safety protocols. The Clean Air Act mandates specific procedures for asbestos removal, including proper notification to the EPA, safe handling and disposal methods, and the provision of adequate worker protection. Knapp’s deliberate disregard for these requirements not only violated federal law but also put the health of building occupants and construction crews at significant risk. Coco previously pled guilty to the same charges and received a 36-month probation sentence.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Knapp was charged with violating multiple sections of the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – knowingly violating the Act – 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B) – failing to notify the EPA – and 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4). He also faced a count of conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act under Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code. In addition to the 41-month prison term, Knapp was sentenced to 24 months of supervised release, 300 hours of community service, and ordered to pay a $12,500 federal fine, along with a $200 crime victim special assessment fee. The potential penalties under the law included a maximum fine of $250,000.
Official Statements
United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt emphasized the importance of enforcing environmental laws. “This office will continue to pursue serious violations of the environmental laws that put the community at risk,” Klinefeldt stated. “Compliance with the Clean Air Act is tremendously important to ensuring good health and the quality of life that Iowans enjoy.” Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division, added that Knapp’s “illegal conduct put at risk the health of workers who lacked basic training and protective equipment.”
Key Facts
- Defendant: Bobby Joe Knapp
- Crime: Illegal asbestos removal and disposal, violating the Clean Air Act
- Location: Equitable Building, Des Moines, Iowa
- Years Active: 2005-2008
- Co-Defendant: Russell Coco (Construction Manager)
- Sentence: 41 months imprisonment, 24 months probation, 300 hours community service, $12,700 in fines and assessments
- Laws Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code
The EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Cynthia Giles, underscored the severity of the offense: “No level of exposure to asbestos is safe. Ignoring the safeguards put into place to protect workers and the public from the risk of exposure to asbestos is inexcusable.” This case serves as a stark reminder that prioritizing profit over public health and environmental safety will result in serious legal consequences.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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