Jason Scardecchio, Asbestos Fraud, Pennsylvania 2006

Collegeville, PA – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to over a year in federal prison in 2006 for knowingly violating federal environmental and mail fraud laws during the improper abatement of asbestos at the historic Trinity Church in Collegeville. Jason Scardecchio’s actions not only put workers and homeowners at risk but also demonstrated a blatant disregard for regulations designed to protect public health and the environment.

The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated by federal authorities, revealed Scardecchio failed to adhere to crucial safety protocols during the asbestos removal process. Specifically, investigators found the asbestos-containing materials were not adequately wetted down before being disturbed, a critical step to prevent the release of dangerous fibers into the air. This negligence created a significant health hazard for those working on the project and potentially exposed nearby residents.

Scardecchio was initially indicted on August 23, 2005, facing a total of 25 counts. These included two violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), specifically 15 U.S.C. 2615, which addresses knowingly violating regulations regarding hazardous materials. He also faced fifteen counts of mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), stemming from the use of the postal service to submit fraudulent claims related to the abatement work. Finally, he was charged with eight violations of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)), concerning the knowing and unlawful release of hazardous air pollutants.

After pleading guilty to a reduced set of charges on June 22, 2006 – one TSCA count and two counts of mail fraud – Scardecchio received a 12-month and one-day prison sentence on October 18, 2006. Beyond incarceration, the court imposed a 36-month probation period, a $300 special assessment fee, and ordered him to pay $11,805 in restitution to the workers and homeowners impacted by his negligent actions. The restitution was intended to cover costs associated with potential health monitoring and remediation efforts.

The EPA’s criminal enforcement of environmental laws, as demonstrated in this case, sends a clear message that non-compliance will be prosecuted. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, requires strict handling procedures to prevent exposure. Failure to follow these procedures not only jeopardizes lives but can also lead to significant legal consequences. The Trinity Church abatement serves as a cautionary tale for contractors and individuals involved in handling hazardous materials.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: Jason Scardecchio
Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Year of Sentence: 2006 (Indictment 2005)
Violated Laws: 15 U.S.C. 2615 (TSCA), 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act)
Sentence: 12 months and 1 day incarceration, 36 months probation, $300 assessment, $11,805 restitution
Crime: Improper asbestos abatement at Trinity Church, including failure to wet materials before removal.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow cases of environmental crime and hold those responsible accountable for endangering communities.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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