Kurt Olson, Attempting to Influence a Public Servant, Colorado 2009

Colorado Springs, CO – Kurt Olson, owner and operator of Alpine Consulting, Inc., was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution after admitting to fabricating asbestos inspection reports for the U.S. Air Force Academy. The case, brought to light through a state investigation, revealed a deliberate scheme to falsify data related to potentially hazardous materials, raising serious questions about contractor oversight and potential health risks.

Alpine Consulting was contracted to perform asbestos sampling and air quality monitoring at various buildings on the Air Force Academy grounds. However, investigators discovered Olson did not actually collect samples as required. Instead, he submitted fabricated results, effectively misleading the Air Force about the presence – or absence – of dangerous asbestos materials. This deception could have led to unnecessary exposure for personnel and students, and costly remediation efforts based on false pretenses.

The investigation began in late 2007, culminating in charges filed on November 26th. Olson was initially charged with 15 counts of violating Colorado state regulations, including 10 counts of attempting to influence a public servant (C.R.S. 18-8-306(F4)) and 5 counts of forgery (C.R.S. 18-5-102(1)(c)(F5)). These charges alleged that Olson knowingly provided false information with the intent to deceive Air Force officials responsible for maintaining a safe environment.

On February 20, 2009, Olson entered a guilty plea to a single count of attempting to influence a public servant. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dismissed the remaining charges. During sentencing, Olson received 36 months of probation and was ordered to pay $2,174 in restitution to the U.S. Air Force to cover costs associated with the fraudulent inspections. While the restitution amount appears relatively small, experts suggest the true cost of rectifying the situation, including re-inspections and potential remediation, could be significantly higher.

The case highlights the critical importance of accurate environmental testing, particularly when dealing with hazardous substances like asbestos. The falsification of these reports not only constitutes a criminal offense but also potentially jeopardizes the health and safety of individuals who may have been exposed to the material. GrimyTimes has reached out to the U.S. Air Force Academy for comment on whether they are conducting a full audit of all previous inspections performed by Alpine Consulting, and whether any personnel were potentially exposed due to the fraudulent reports. Responses are pending.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Kurt Olson, owner of Alpine Consulting, Inc.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Crime: Fraudulent asbestos inspection reporting
Statutes Violated: C.R.S. 18-8-306(F4) (Attempting to Influence a Public Servant), C.R.S. 18-5-102(1)(c)(F5) (Forgery)
Penalty: 36 months probation and $2,174 restitution to the U.S. Air Force.
Victim: U.S. Air Force Academy

This is a developing story. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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