Celso N. Gervacio, Asbestos License Fraud, New Hampshire 2008

Manchester, NH – Celso N. Gervacio was sentenced to six months incarceration and ordered to pay $830 in state fines after admitting to fraudulently obtaining an Asbestos Workers License in New Hampshire, according to court records unsealed this week. The case, initially brought forth in April of 2008, highlights a concerning lapse in verification procedures that allowed an unqualified individual to potentially engage in hazardous materials abatement.

The investigation, conducted by state regulatory agencies, revealed that Gervacio submitted a falsified certificate of training as part of his application for the license. This document falsely indicated he had completed the required coursework to safely handle and remove asbestos, a known carcinogen. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The potential for public endangerment stemming from unqualified asbestos abatement work prompted the state to pursue criminal charges.

On April 10, 2008, Gervacio was indicted on a single count of violating state regulations pertaining to asbestos worker licensing. He subsequently pled guilty to the charge, accepting responsibility for submitting the fabricated documentation. Prosecutors argued that Gervacio’s actions demonstrated a deliberate attempt to circumvent established safety protocols and profit from work he was not properly trained to perform.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) maintains strict licensing requirements for asbestos workers to protect both the workers themselves and the public. These regulations are in place to ensure that asbestos removal and handling are conducted in a manner that minimizes the risk of fiber release and subsequent exposure. The falsification of training certificates undermines the integrity of this system and puts individuals at risk.

While the specific statute violated was not publicly detailed in available records, the charges stem from New Hampshire state laws governing asbestos worker certification and the submission of fraudulent documentation to a state agency. The $830 fine levied against Gervacio represents a combination of court costs and penalties associated with the regulatory violation. Legal experts suggest that the six-month jail sentence underscores the seriousness with which the state treats attempts to deceive regulatory bodies and potentially endanger public health.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Celso N. Gervacio
State: New Hampshire
Year: 2008
Crime: Submission of a falsified asbestos worker training certificate.
Charge: Violation of state regulations.
Penalty: 6 months incarceration and $830 in fines.
Agency Involved: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES)

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligent verification processes in regulated industries and the potential consequences of fraudulent behavior.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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