Des Moines, IA – Bobby Joe Knapp, former owner of the Equitable Building in downtown Des Moines, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for knowingly exposing workers and tenants to dangerous levels of asbestos during a large-scale renovation project. Knapp, 61, pleaded guilty in March 2011 to charges of conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and failing to adhere to asbestos removal work practice standards. The case highlights a deliberate disregard for public health and safety in pursuit of cost-cutting measures during the building’s conversion into luxury condominiums and commercial spaces.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Knapp conspired with Russell Coco, the project’s construction manager, to illegally remove asbestos-containing materials without following mandated safety protocols. Testimony revealed asbestos was discarded in an uncovered dumpster, and workers – including a disabled individual – were not provided with essential personal protective equipment. Workers testified they were not instructed to wet the asbestos-containing tiles before demolition, significantly increasing dust dispersal and potential exposure. The renovation, spanning from 2005 to 2008, put numerous individuals at risk of developing severe respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer.
Timeline of Events
The investigation began in February 2011, with Coco initially facing charges. Coco quickly pleaded guilty, admitting to his role in the scheme. Knapp followed suit shortly after, accepting responsibility for his part in the violations. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division spearheaded the investigation, working in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section.
During sentencing, U.S. District Judge James E. Gritzner emphasized the seriousness of the offenses. In addition to the 41-month prison sentence, Knapp was ordered to serve 24 months of supervised release, perform 300 hours of community service, and pay a combined $12,700 in fines and assessments. Coco received a 36-month probationary sentence.
Legal Ramifications
Knapp’s conviction stems from violations of several key provisions of the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), which prohibits knowingly violating the Act; 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B), concerning the failure to notify authorities before asbestos removal; and 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), addressing violations of asbestos work practice standards. He was also charged with conspiracy, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 371. The maximum penalties under these statutes include significant prison time and substantial fines, reflecting the gravity of environmental crimes that endanger public health.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Bobby Joe Knapp
- Crime: Clean Air Act violations related to asbestos removal
- Location: Des Moines, Iowa
- Year: 2011
- Co-Defendant: Russell Coco (Construction Manager)
- Sentence: 41 months imprisonment, 24 months probation, 300 hours community service, $12,700 in fines and assessments
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), 18 U.S.C. 371
“This case underscores the EPA’s commitment to holding accountable those who prioritize profit over the safety of workers and the public,” stated Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. The Department of Justice and the EPA have vowed to continue aggressively pursuing environmental crimes, sending a clear message that such violations will not be tolerated.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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