Saint Louis, MO – Local property owner David Mohammad Akram was sentenced in August 2015 following a guilty plea related to knowingly permitting the unsafe removal of asbestos from a building he owned at 4548 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the dangers of improper asbestos abatement and the legal ramifications for those who disregard environmental regulations.
According to court documents, Akram purchased the 10,500 square foot building – formerly occupied by the Human Development Corporation and a branch of the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department – in October 2012. The purchase agreement explicitly stated the presence of asbestos within the structure. Despite this knowledge, Akram authorized renovations in November 2012 that involved disturbing asbestos-containing materials.
The renovations, carried out by an unlicensed and untrained work crew, included the cutting of pipes wrapped in asbestos insulation. Crucially, no precautions were taken to contain the hazardous fibers, potentially exposing workers and the surrounding community to significant health risks. Asbestos exposure is linked to severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Federal Investigation & Evidence
The EPA initiated an investigation following reports of potential asbestos violations. On June 27, 2013, federal agents executed a search warrant at the property. EPA field experts confirmed the presence of asbestos throughout the building’s basement, including residual material remaining on the disturbed pipes. Samples collected provided conclusive evidence of the improper handling of the hazardous substance.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Akram was initially charged on February 5, 2015, with violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) of the Clean Air Act. This statute specifically addresses knowingly failing to properly handle or dispose of asbestos-containing materials during renovation or demolition activities. He subsequently pled guilty on April 22, 2015. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing regulations designed to protect public health and the environment from the dangers of asbestos.
Sentencing and Fine
On August 12, 2015, Akram received a sentence of 36 months of probation and was ordered to pay a substantial $30,000 federal fine. The sentence serves as a deterrent to others who might attempt to cut corners on environmental safety measures. This case demonstrates that property owners have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure hazardous materials are handled correctly, even during building renovations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: David Mohammad Akram
- Location: 4548 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri
- Crime: Improper asbestos removal and handling.
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) – Clean Air Act
- Date of Plea: April 22, 2015
- Sentence: 36 months probation & $30,000 fine
- The building previously housed the Human Development Corporation and a Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department branch.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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