Katrina Frede-Cohn, Fraud & Air Violation, IL 2005

East St. Louis, IL – A scheme to illegally demolish buildings for valuable brick and disregard environmental regulations has resulted in federal convictions for Katrina Frede-Cohn and her husband, Philip Cohn. The pair engaged in a conspiracy that not only defrauded victims but also left a trail of hazardous asbestos-containing materials in a blighted area of the city, ultimately costing taxpayers to clean up the mess.

According to court documents, the Cohns targeted buildings in East St. Louis, acquiring control of the properties with the intent of demolition. Rather than adhering to safe demolition practices, the couple oversaw a reckless operation that prioritized profit over public health and safety. Contractors working under their direction failed to properly handle or remove asbestos found within the structures before demolition began.

The valuable bricks were salvaged and sold, while the remaining rubble—contaminated with asbestos—was simply abandoned on the demolition sites. This negligence forced the city of East St. Louis to issue emergency permits for cleanup, diverting crucial tax dollars to mitigate the environmental hazard created by the Cohns’ actions. The case highlights a disturbing pattern of prioritizing financial gain at the expense of community well-being and environmental responsibility.

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Legal Ramifications

Katrina Frede-Cohn was initially charged with one count of mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1344) on April 22, 2004. She ultimately pled guilty and, on March 11, 2005, received a lenient sentence of one day of incarceration, coupled with 48 months of probation, a $100 special assessment fee, and a $200 federal fine. Philip Cohn faced a far more extensive list of charges, 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)).

Philip Cohn’s guilty plea resulted in a 60-month prison sentence, followed by 60 months of probation. He was also ordered to pay $347,200 in restitution to the victims of the mail fraud scheme. The significant disparity in sentencing between the two defendants raises questions about the extent of each individual’s involvement in the criminal enterprise.

Key Facts

Defendant(s): Katrina Frede-Cohn and Philip Cohn
Location: East St. Louis, Illinois
Year: 2005
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act Violation), 18 U.S.C. 1957 (Racketeering)
Scheme: Illegal demolition of buildings for brick resale, negligent handling of asbestos.
Penalties: Katrina Cohn – 1 day incarceration, 48 months probation, $300 in fines. Philip Cohn – 60 months incarceration, 60 months probation, $347,200 restitution.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of environmental crimes and the importance of strict adherence to regulations designed to protect public health and safety. The GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental enforcement cases and report on those who seek to profit from illegal and dangerous practices.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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