Kent, Washington – Isaac Cole, 54, was sentenced in January 2017 after pleading guilty to a scheme that falsified asbestos worker training certifications, putting both workers and the public at risk. Cole, the former owner and operator of Cole and Associates, Inc., knowingly issued certifications to individuals who had not completed the federally-mandated asbestos safety courses, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Between 2013 and 2016, Cole and Associates, licensed by Washington State to provide asbestos training, allegedly accepted additional fees from workers seeking to bypass the required training. Cole then directed employees to falsely certify to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) that these individuals had successfully completed the courses. The scheme involved advising participants to claim attendance during vacation periods, hindering L&I’s ability to verify attendance against work records. At least four employees reportedly participated in the fraudulent activity at Cole’s direction.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and L&I launched a joint investigation into Cole’s practices after suspecting widespread irregularities. “Asbestos is a dangerous substance, which is why state and federal authorities require those who work with it to receive annual training on how to safely handle it,” stated U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. The falsified certifications created a dangerous situation, potentially exposing workers and the public to the harmful effects of asbestos, a known carcinogen.
Legal Ramifications
Cole’s actions violated Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001 (false statements) and 15 U.S.C. 2615(b)(1) of the Toxic Substances Control Act. The charges stem from his deliberate misrepresentation of training records and the intentional circumvention of federal asbestos safety regulations. As a result of his guilty plea, Cole received five years of standard probation, 90 days of home confinement, and a permanent ban from the asbestos training industry during his probation period.
A Pattern of Deceit
Investigators revealed that Cole actively encouraged the deceit, instructing participants on how to avoid detection by L&I. This demonstrates a calculated effort to prioritize profit over public safety, according to Jeanne Proctor, Special Agent-in-Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in the Pacific Northwest. “EPA will continue to hold accountable any firm that illegally pursues financial gain without regard for people’s health,” Proctor affirmed.
Collaboration & Consequences
The case was a collaborative effort between the EPA, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson prosecuted the case. Officials hope the outcome sends a clear message that falsifying safety certifications will not be tolerated and that those who endanger public health for financial gain will face legal consequences. Anne Soiza, head of L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, expressed concern for those potentially exposed, stating, “Our hope now is that nobody affected will develop asbestos-related cancer or another fatal disease because of this criminal carelessness.”
Key Facts
- Defendant: Isaac Cole, 54, of Kent, Washington
- Company: Cole and Associates, Inc. (Asbestos training provider)
- Scheme: Falsified asbestos worker training certifications in exchange for additional fees.
- Years Active: 2013 – 2016
- Violated Statutes: 18 U.S.C. 1001, 15 U.S.C. 2615(b)(1)
- Penalty: 5 years probation, 90 days home confinement, ban from asbestos training industry.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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