Albany, NY – Brian McLaren, along with Albany Environmental Consultants, LLC (AEC) and its owner, Ronda Dolan, have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a fraudulent asbestos removal scheme that bilked 19 victims out of nearly $40,000. The trio operated an unlicensed asbestos abatement business, falsely representing themselves as state-licensed professionals to secure contracts across multiple New York counties.
The scheme, uncovered through a joint investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Department of Labor, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), involved AEC continuing to perform asbestos-related services well after its state license expired in August 2014. Rather than cease operations, the defendants illegally used the license number of a legitimately licensed company on their letterhead, misleading customers into believing they were qualified to handle the dangerous material.
Prosecutors revealed the defendants targeted a diverse range of properties, including private residences, a manufacturing facility, a firehouse, a church, a bus station, and even a hospital, spanning Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Washington, and Westchester Counties. The substandard work performed by AEC necessitated complete re-abatement by properly licensed contractors, costing victims a second round of expensive and crucial safety measures.
Legal Ramifications
Brian McLaren and Ronda Dolan each pleaded guilty to one count of Scheme to Defraud in the Second Degree, a Class “A” misdemeanor. McLaren and Dolan were conditionally discharged pending full restitution to the 19 victims, totaling $40,000. AEC pleaded guilty to one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a Class “E” felony. Additionally, all three defendants initially faced charges of Identity Theft in the First Degree (a Class “D” felony), four counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a Class “D” felony), and two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (a Class “E” felony). Confessions of judgment were signed, ensuring victims have a pathway to recover their losses.
The Dangers of Asbestos & Public Warning
The case underscores the critical importance of verifying the credentials of asbestos abatement contractors. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, poses a significant health risk, being a known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Improper handling can release dangerous fibers into the air, endangering lives. Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood urged the public to utilize the New York State Department of Labor’s Active Asbestos Contractor List to ensure any contractor performing asbestos work is properly licensed and permitted.
Key Facts
- Defendant(s): Albany Environmental Consultants, LLC, Ronda Dolan, Brian McLaren
- Location: Albany, New York and surrounding counties
- Year: 2018
- Charges: Scheme to Defraud, Identity Theft, Grand Larceny
- Victims: 19 (homes, businesses, public buildings)
- Losses: Approximately $40,000
- Statutes Violated: New York State Penal Law – Identity Theft in the First Degree, Grand Larceny (various degrees), Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree.
The Attorney General’s Office expressed gratitude to the DEC, Department of Labor, and EPA for their collaborative efforts in bringing this case to a successful resolution. This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unqualified contractors and the importance of diligent oversight in regulated industries.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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