Katrina Frede-Cohn, Environmental Crime, IL 2005

East St. Louis, IL – Katrina Frede-Cohn was sentenced in March 2005 following a guilty plea related to a scheme involving the illegal demolition of buildings in East St. Louis and the subsequent mishandling of hazardous asbestos materials. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the Department of Justice, revealed a deliberate disregard for environmental regulations and public safety in pursuit of profit.

According to court documents, Frede-Cohn, along with her husband Philip Cohn, conspired to gain control of multiple buildings in the city. Rather than responsibly deconstructing or renovating the structures, they opted for demolition, intending to salvage and sell the valuable bricks. Crucially, the demolition process was conducted with no regard for asbestos-containing materials present within the buildings. Contractors working under the Cohns’ direction failed to properly remove or contain the asbestos, releasing dangerous fibers into the surrounding environment.

The illegal operation didn’t stop at negligent asbestos handling. Following the brick removal, the remaining rubble and debris were simply abandoned on-site, creating an ongoing health hazard and an eyesore. The City of East St. Louis was ultimately forced to intervene, issuing emergency permits and diverting taxpayer funds to clean up the mess left behind by the Cohns’ operation. This financial burden, coupled with the potential health risks to residents, fueled the federal investigation.

Initial charges were filed in April 2004. Katrina Cohn faced one count of mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341). Her husband, Philip Cohn, bore a heavier indictment, including one count of mail fraud, eleven counts of racketeering (18 U.S.C. 1957), and two counts of violating the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – knowingly violating). Both ultimately pled guilty in December 2004.

The sentencing disparity between the two defendants was significant. Katrina Frede-Cohn received a lenient sentence of one day of incarceration, followed by 48 months of probation. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee and a $200 federal fine. Philip Cohn, however, received a 60-month prison sentence, a 60-month probationary period, and was ordered to pay $347,200 in restitution to the victims of the mail fraud component of the scheme. The case highlights the potential for significant penalties under federal environmental law, even when coupled with other criminal activities like fraud and racketeering.

Key Facts

Defendant: Katrina Frede-Cohn & Philip Cohn
Location: East St. Louis, Illinois
Year: 2005
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud), 18 U.S.C. 1957 (Racketeering), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act – Asbestos Handling)
Katrina Frede-Cohn Sentence: 1 day incarceration, 48 months probation, $300 in fines/fees
Philip Cohn Sentence: 60 months incarceration, 60 months probation, $347,200 restitution
Scheme: Illegal demolition of buildings to sell bricks, negligent handling of asbestos, abandonment of debris, and misappropriation of city resources.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on those who endanger communities for financial gain.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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