Edwin J. Hayes, Obstruction, VA 2001

Richmond, VA – Edwin J. Hayes was sentenced in April 2001 following a guilty plea to obstruction of justice, stemming from his interference with a federal investigation into fraudulent asbestos training practices. The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), revealed a scheme that put construction workers and the public at risk of serious health consequences.

The investigation centered around the unlawful sale of asbestos training certificates, a critical component of ensuring worker safety during asbestos removal. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses significant health risks when its fibers are inhaled, leading to debilitating conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the chest and abdomen. Proper training and certification are legally mandated to mitigate these risks.

According to court documents, Hayes advised a certified asbestos trainer—who was already under investigation—to destroy all relevant paperwork. Hayes allegedly instructed the trainer to “lose all your paperwork and make sure it gets done,” demonstrating a clear intent to impede the federal investigation. This directive was issued while Hayes was fully aware that EPA Special Agents and the FBI were actively investigating the trainer’s activities.

The obstruction wasn’t merely a delay tactic; it directly threatened the integrity of the asbestos abatement process. Without verifiable training records, unqualified individuals could be performing asbestos removal, exposing themselves and potentially the public to dangerous levels of the hazardous material. The EPA takes such interference with environmental and public health investigations extremely seriously.

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Legal Ramifications

Hayes was initially indicted on July 31, 2000, on one count of violating 18 U.S.C. 1505, the federal statute prohibiting obstruction of justice. He swiftly pled guilty on August 2, 2000. The sentencing, handed down on April 9, 2001, included a 12-month and one-day incarceration period, a 36-month probation term following release, a $100 special assessment, and a substantial $20,000 federal fine. The case also involved a violation of the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), due to the impact of fraudulent training on air quality and public health.

Key Facts

Defendant: Edwin J. Hayes
State: Virginia
Year: 2001
Crime: Obstruction of Justice
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1505, 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)
Sentence: 12 months & 1 day incarceration, 36 months probation, $20,000 fine + $100 assessment
Context: Interference with investigation into fraudulent asbestos training certificates.

This case serves as a stark reminder that obstructing a federal investigation, particularly one concerning public health and environmental safety, carries significant legal consequences. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue individuals who attempt to undermine its efforts to protect communities from hazardous materials like asbestos.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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