New Richmond, WI – Lloyd A. Robl, a former asbestos abatement contractor, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on September 12, 2019, following a guilty plea to charges of wire fraud and violating the Clean Air Act. The sentencing, handed down by a federal judge, also includes three years of supervised release and will run consecutively with a separate 30-month state sentence for felony methamphetamine possession. Robl’s criminal activity spanned both Minnesota and Wisconsin, preying on homeowners and businesses seeking legitimate asbestos removal services.
The investigation revealed a calculated scheme where Robl falsely advertised his services on Craigslist, claiming to be licensed, insured, and bonded. However, authorities discovered his Minnesota asbestos abatement license had been revoked in 2001, and he was permanently barred from performing such work in the state. Despite this, Robl continued to solicit clients, providing falsified documents – including insurance policies, licenses, air sampling results, and waste manifests – to create a facade of legitimacy.
Beyond the fraudulent misrepresentation of his qualifications, Robl demonstrated a blatant disregard for public health and environmental safety. He knowingly released asbestos fibers into the air during removal projects, placing individuals in imminent danger of serious illness or death. Even more disturbingly, Robl improperly disposed of asbestos-laden waste by burning it in open burn piles and 55-gallon drums on his property, then spreading the resulting ashes across his land, including a farm field and tree line. This reckless behavior exposed neighbors and first responders to hazardous materials without warning.
The courtroom testimony painted a grim picture of Robl’s operation. Nine victims, including four individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction, detailed how Robl exploited their vulnerabilities, paying them in drugs to perform asbestos removal work without proper training, protective gear like respirators and suits, or cleaning supplies. Two homeowners testified they were provided with fake Minnesota licenses as proof of Robl’s qualifications. Adding to the severity, firefighters from the New Richmond Fire Department recounted responding to out-of-control fires on Robl’s property, unaware they were battling asbestos-containing materials.
Legal Ramifications
Robl was convicted of violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(5) of the Clean Air Act, specifically regarding the knowing endangerment of others through the release of hazardous substances. He also violated 18 U.S.C. 1343, the federal wire fraud statute, for using interstate communications to execute his fraudulent scheme. The 12-year prison sentence reflects the gravity of these offenses, as well as the deliberate and dangerous nature of Robl’s actions.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Lloyd A. Robl
- Location: Minnesota & Wisconsin
- Crime: Asbestos fraud, Clean Air Act violation
- Sentence: 12 years federal prison + 3 years supervised release (consecutive to 30-month state sentence)
- Victims: Nine, including individuals paid in methamphetamine to perform unsafe work.
- Fraudulent Practices: Falsified licenses, insurance, and waste manifests.
- Environmental Hazard: Improper disposal of asbestos waste through burning and land spreading.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unqualified asbestos abatement contractors and the importance of verifying credentials before hiring any professional for hazardous material removal. Authorities urge anyone suspecting illegal asbestos activity to report it immediately to the EPA or state environmental agencies.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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