Hartford, CT – A Connecticut man was sentenced to probation and home confinement for a scheme to fraudulently issue certifications for asbestos and lead abatement training, federal authorities announced. Guido A Cortes-Rodriguez, formerly a training manager at North Star Center For Human Development, admitted to providing false certifications to individuals who did not complete the required coursework.
According to court documents, Cortes-Rodriguez exploited a system designed to ensure public safety. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires specialized training and certification for individuals working with hazardous materials like asbestos and lead. Connecticut, authorized by the EPA to administer these programs, relies on training providers like North Star to verify competency. Cortes-Rodriguez abused this trust by issuing certifications to those who hadn’t earned them, potentially endangering both workers and the public.
The scheme came to light when an undercover FBI agent, posing as a prospective trainee, discovered that no courses were being held despite Cortes-Rodriguez having notified the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) that classes were in session. Undeterred, Cortes-Rodriguez offered the agent a certificate for a fee of $1,260, accepting cash in exchange for the fraudulent document. The agent received certifications for a 40-hour Asbestos Abatement Supervisor course, a 32-hour Lead Abatement Worker course, and an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training Course, despite attending no classes or completing any examinations.
Investigators later determined that this incident wasn’t isolated. Cortes-Rodriguez had repeatedly issued fraudulent training certificates, undermining the integrity of the certification process. “Asbestos and lead removal training providers are entrusted with keeping safe the supervisors, workers and the public that hire them,” stated Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England. “Trainers who cheat and provide false certificates will continue to be a focus for EPA enforcement since they pose too great a risk to the public health.”
Key Facts
- Defendant: Guido A Cortes-Rodriguez
- Crime: Fraudulent issuance of asbestos and lead abatement certifications
- Location: Hartford, Connecticut
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 (making false statements to the federal government)
- Sentence: Two years of probation, with the first six months to be served under home confinement. 160 hours of community service were also ordered.
- Investigation: Conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and EPA Office of Inspector General.
On December 21, 2016, Cortes-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to the federal government. U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny handed down the sentence on November 15, 2017, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the potential risks associated with unqualified individuals handling hazardous materials. The case underscores the EPA’s commitment to safeguarding public health by vigorously prosecuting those who attempt to circumvent safety regulations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Kenyon prosecuted the case, highlighting the collaborative effort between federal and state agencies in combating environmental crimes and ensuring the responsible handling of hazardous substances.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Walter Rodriguez, Tax Fraud, New Hampshire 2013 · New York
- Thao Thi Kim Nguyen, Mortgage Fraud, Orange County CA, 2018 · Connecticut
- Mark Roy Anderson, Hemp Farm Wire Fraud, Beverly Hills CA, 2023 · California
- Jan R. Kowalski, Bankruptcy Fraud, Chicago IL, 2023 · Illinois
- Nguyen Tax Fraud Scheme, San Jose CA, 2023 · Connecticut
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime