Richmond, VA – Industrial Support Services (ITSS), Inc., and its owner, faced federal charges in 2000 after a lengthy investigation revealed a scheme to fraudulently certify asbestos workers, potentially endangering public health and violating federal law. The case, prosecuted in Virginia, highlights the critical importance of proper training and certification in hazardous material abatement and the consequences of prioritizing profit over safety.
According to court documents, between January 1994 and August 1996, ITSS issued asbestos worker training certificates to individuals who had *not* completed the required safety courses. These certifications falsely indicated that the workers were qualified to safely remove asbestos, a known carcinogen, from buildings. The practice created a significant risk to both the workers themselves and the public, as improper asbestos removal can release dangerous fibers into the air.
Investigation and Charges
The investigation, led by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, uncovered evidence of widespread falsification of training records. The fraudulent certifications allowed unqualified workers to perform asbestos abatement on various projects, potentially exposing numerous individuals to hazardous conditions. On October 18, 1999, ITSS and its owner were formally charged with making false statements, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001. This statute prohibits knowingly making false or fraudulent statements to the federal government.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Facing mounting evidence, the defendants entered a guilty plea on November 16, 1999. The sentencing, handed down on March 23, 2000, reflected the seriousness of the offenses. ITSS, Inc. was sentenced to 12 months of probation, though no monetary fine was imposed. However, the owner of ITSS, Gonzalez, received a significantly harsher penalty: a 27-month term of incarceration, followed by 24 months of probation. Furthermore, Gonzalez was ordered to pay $68,089 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a substantial federal fine totaling $90,995.
A Pattern of Deception
Federal prosecutors argued that the scheme was motivated by financial gain, allowing ITSS to undercut competitors by offering cheaper, but ultimately unsafe, asbestos abatement services. The case served as a warning to other companies involved in hazardous material management, emphasizing the strict enforcement of regulations designed to protect public health and the environment. The EPA continues to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of companies and individuals who attempt to circumvent these critical safety standards.
Key Facts
- Defendant: ITSS, Inc. and Gonzalez (owner)
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- Years of Operation: Fraudulent activity occurred between January 1994 – August 1996
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements)
- ITSS Penalty: 12 months probation
- Gonzalez Penalty: 27 months incarceration, 24 months probation, $68,089 restitution to IRS, $90,995 federal fine
- Crime: Fraudulent issuance of asbestos worker training certificates to unqualified individuals
GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and report on cases that threaten public safety.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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