St. Louis, MO – Calvin T. Burks, owner of J & C Environmental Services, Inc., was sentenced to a year in federal prison for a scheme that falsified asbestos inspection reports across the St. Louis metropolitan area. The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, highlights a significant breach of public trust and potential environmental hazard.
According to court documents, Burks conducted over 100 asbestos inspections between April 2008 and May 2009 on buildings slated for demolition. He then fraudulently billed clients approximately $150 per inspection, including a fabricated analysis of suspect asbestos materials. The deception centered around forging letterhead from Precision Analysis Testing Laboratory, claiming they had performed the analysis when, in fact, they had not. Approximately 108 reports contained these false claims.
Deceptive Practices & City Impact
Burks reportedly copied the Precision Analysis letterhead from a legitimate prior report and then meticulously falsified the details, including crucial sample analysis data. These fabricated reports were submitted to demolition contractors and building owners, who then relied on them when filing necessary asbestos demolition and renovation notifications with the City of St. Louis. Critically, the city then issued demolition permits based on these inaccurate assessments, potentially exposing workers and the public to dangerous asbestos fibers.
The scheme came to light following an investigation initiated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. Authorities determined that the false reports were not merely a paperwork issue, but a deliberate attempt to profit from fraudulent services, circumventing established safety regulations and potentially endangering public health. One specific instance cited involved a property located at 6257-6259 Gravois in St. Louis, where demolition was authorized based on Burks’ falsified report.
Legal Ramifications & Sentencing
On September 17, 2009, Burks was charged with three counts of making false statements, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001. He subsequently pled guilty in December 2009. On March 9, 2010, U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson sentenced Burks to 12 months of incarceration, followed by 36 months of probation. Furthermore, Burks was ordered to pay $16,800 in restitution to the City of St. Louis to cover costs associated with the fraudulent inspections.
Future Implications & Investigative Efforts
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight in environmental testing and the potential consequences of fraudulent practices. The EPA continues to prioritize criminal enforcement of environmental laws, particularly those related to hazardous materials like asbestos. Special Assistant United States Attorney Anne Rauch prosecuted the case, demonstrating a commitment to holding individuals accountable for endangering public safety and undermining environmental regulations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Calvin T. Burks
- Company: J & C Environmental Services, Inc.
- Crime: Fraudulent asbestos inspection reports
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (Making False Statements)
- Sentence: 12 months incarceration, 36 months probation, $16,800 restitution
- Number of Fraudulent Reports: Approximately 108
- Estimated Fraudulent Earnings: Approximately $16,800
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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