Daniel Bello Argil, Environmental Crime, CO 2003

Brush, Colorado – A former project manager is behind bars after a botched high school renovation led to an asbestos contamination crisis and a lengthy federal investigation. Daniel Bello Argil was sentenced to 68 months in prison and ordered to pay over $232,000 in restitution to the Morgan County School District following a guilty plea to fifteen federal charges stemming from his oversight of the renovation project.

The case, brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated by federal authorities, revealed a pattern of deceit and negligence surrounding the removal of asbestos from the high school building. Argil, tasked with managing the renovation, allegedly failed to ensure that the contracted asbestos abatement company, National Service Cleaning, properly performed the required work. This failure resulted in the dangerous substance being discovered throughout the school – in student lockers, on walls, and within classrooms – forcing its immediate closure and prompting a costly and disruptive cleanup.

According to court documents, Argil was initially charged on March 13, 2001, with a fifteen-count indictment. The charges included making false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), and violations of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1311) and related environmental statutes. Prosecutors alleged that Argil knowingly submitted false reports and documentation to authorities, falsely claiming the asbestos abatement was completed safely and in accordance with regulations. The Clean Water Act violation stemmed from improper disposal practices related to the asbestos-contaminated materials.

The investigation uncovered evidence suggesting Argil prioritized cost-cutting measures over student and staff safety. National Service Cleaning, the contractor, allegedly cut corners during the asbestos removal process, failing to adhere to strict safety protocols designed to contain the hazardous material. Argil, aware of these deficiencies, allegedly concealed them from school officials and regulatory agencies. The resulting contamination forced the school district to undertake an extensive remediation project, incurring significant financial losses and disrupting the education of hundreds of students.

After initially pleading not guilty, Argil ultimately entered a guilty plea to all fifteen counts on December 11, 2002. The sentencing, handed down on September 17, 2003, reflected the severity of his crimes and the potential danger posed to the school community. In addition to the 68-month prison sentence and $232,053 restitution order, Argil was also sentenced to 36 months of probation and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment fee.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Daniel Bello Argil
Location: Brush, Colorado
Year of Sentence: 2003
Charges: 15 counts including False Statements (18 U.S.C. 1001), Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), and Clean Water Act Violation (33 U.S.C. 1311).
Sentence: 68 months imprisonment, 36 months probation, $200 assessment fee, $232,053 restitution
Victim: Morgan County School District
Incident: Improper asbestos abatement during high school renovation led to school closure.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with environmental crimes and the importance of adhering to safety regulations, particularly when the health and well-being of vulnerable populations – such as students and school staff – are at risk. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue individuals and companies who knowingly endanger public health and the environment.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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