OWENSVILLE, MO – Daniel T. Wright was sentenced to 36 months of probation and a $2,000 fine after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from the improper and illegal removal of asbestos from a former school building in Owensville, Missouri, in 2013. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the Owensville Police Department, highlights a blatant disregard for public safety and federal environmental regulations.
According to court documents, Wright secured a $104,000 contract to abate and dispose of asbestos within the abandoned school. Despite receiving a bid of $86,000 from a qualified environmental abatement company, GEHM Environmental, Wright opted to utilize an untrained and unlicensed crew – comprised largely of local residents, including high school students – to perform the dangerous work. This decision immediately put workers and the surrounding community at risk of exposure to the deadly fibers.
While Wright obtained a demolition permit from the City of Owensville, the project quickly drew scrutiny. The Owensville Police Department shut down the operation following complaints from concerned citizens. Despite being informed by city officials that the building contained asbestos and that demolition activities were prohibited until proper abatement was completed, Wright allegedly continued the unpermitted work. He failed to adhere to crucial safety protocols and, most critically, did not deposit the asbestos at an approved waste disposal site.
Instead of responsible disposal, the hazardous material was left in large, unsecured boxes on the property and in rented dumpsters behind the school. This negligent act created a significant public health hazard, potentially exposing residents to airborne asbestos particles, known to cause severe respiratory diseases, including cancer. The EPA’s investigation revealed a clear pattern of intentional cost-cutting at the expense of public wellbeing and adherence to the law.
Legal Ramifications
Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury on three felony counts of violating the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413, which prohibits knowingly and unlawfully removing or failing to remove asbestos in a manner compliant with federal regulations. The penalties for violating this section of the Clean Air Act can include significant fines and imprisonment. While Wright avoided jail time, the 36-month probation and $2,000 fine serve as a formal acknowledgment of his wrongdoing and a deterrent to others considering similar violations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Daniel T. Wright
- Location: Owensville, Missouri
- Year of Offense: 2013
- Contract Value: $104,000
- Crew: Primarily comprised of local residents and high school students with no asbestos abatement training.
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413 (Clean Air Act)
- Penalty: 36 months probation, $2,000 fine
United States Attorney Dianna Collins handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This case underscores the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos, and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over public safety. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of environmental laws to protect communities across the nation.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Daniel Keith Steele, Forex Fraud, MO 2024 · Florida
- Daniel Alan Ryan, Tax Evasion, Missouri 2024 · Kansas
- Michael Jett Sentenced to 23 Months for Tax Evasion, Missouri, 2017… · Missouri
- No Defendant Found, No Crimes Committed, Kansas City MO, 2025 · Kansas
- FDIC Assembles New Banking Watchdogs, Washington D.C., 2023 · New York
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime