Joseph Harris Jordan, Violating Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001(a)(3), Tennessee 2005

KNOXVILLE, TN – Joseph Harris Jordan was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay a fine after admitting to a scheme that put asbestos workers – and potentially the public – at risk. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, revealed Jordan knowingly provided fraudulent asbestos training certifications.

The investigation began in early 2005, uncovering evidence that Jordan was issuing certificates to individuals who had not actually completed the required asbestos abatement training. Asbestos abatement work is heavily regulated due to the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Proper training is crucial to ensure workers understand safe handling and removal procedures.

On March 22, 2005, a federal grand jury indicted Jordan on thirteen counts of violating Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 1001(a)(3), which criminalizes knowingly and willfully making and using false documents, specifically those containing materially false entries. The indictment alleged Jordan intentionally falsified records to indicate workers had met training requirements when they had not.

Jordan ultimately pleaded guilty to six of the thirteen counts on August 9, 2005. Court documents suggest the plea agreement was reached to expedite the resolution of the case, acknowledging the seriousness of the offense but potentially mitigating the penalty. The EPA emphasized the importance of prosecuting such cases to maintain the integrity of environmental regulations and protect public health.

On November 9, 2005, Jordan received a sentence of twelve months probation and was ordered to pay a $600 special assessment fee. While some may view this as a lenient sentence, federal prosecutors often consider factors such as the defendant’s lack of prior criminal record and cooperation with investigators when recommending sentencing guidelines. However, the EPA maintains that any criminal penalty serves as a deterrent to others who might consider circumventing environmental regulations.

The case highlights the critical role of proper training and certification in hazardous materials abatement. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against individuals and companies who attempt to cut corners at the expense of worker safety and environmental protection. This case serves as a stark reminder that falsifying records related to environmental compliance carries significant legal consequences.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Joseph Harris Jordan
State: Tennessee
Year: 2006
Statutes Violated: Clean Air Act, Title 18 U.S. Code Section 1001(a)(3) – False Statements
Indictment Date: March 22, 2005 (13 counts)
Guilty Plea Date: August 9, 2005 (Counts 1-6)
Sentence: 12 months probation, $600 special assessment fee
Crime: Jordan issued fraudulent asbestos training certifications to workers who had not completed the required training.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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