Houma, Louisiana – Marc Victoriano, owner of Professional Safety Consultants, LLC (PSC), has been sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay over $212,000 in restitution to the Terrebonne Parish School Board (TPSB) after being convicted of defrauding the school system. The case, investigated by federal authorities, revealed a scheme spanning from 2015 to 2017 involving falsified asbestos inspection reports.
Victoriano’s company, PSC, was contracted by the TPSB to conduct asbestos inspections as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). This federal law mandates safe asbestos management in schools to protect students and staff. However, investigators uncovered evidence that Victoriano systematically submitted fraudulent documentation to the school board, inflating invoices and misrepresenting the results of asbestos testing and air monitoring.
The fraudulent scheme involved 56 invoices containing fabricated laboratory reports. These reports falsely indicated the presence or absence of asbestos, and misrepresented air quality readings. Furthermore, Victoriano submitted nine additional invoices containing forged signatures and falsified accreditation information, essentially presenting unqualified reports as legitimate asbestos hazard assessments. The Terrebonne Parish School Board relied on these reports to make critical decisions regarding student and staff safety, and allocated significant funds based on the false information provided.
The financial impact of Victoriano’s actions was substantial. The TPSB paid PSC a total of $212,618.26 for services that were never legitimately performed. Federal prosecutors argued that Victoriano knowingly and intentionally defrauded a program receiving federal funds, putting the health of students and staff at risk while enriching himself through deceit.
Legal Ramifications
Victoriano was sentenced on June 23, 2021, to five years of probation, including eight months of home confinement. In addition to probation, the court ordered him to pay full restitution of $212,618.00 to the Terrebonne Parish School Board. The charges stemmed from violations of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A), which specifically addresses the theft or obtaining of property from programs receiving federal funds through false or fraudulent representations. This felony carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years, though Victoriano received a lighter sentence due to factors not publicly disclosed.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Marc Victoriano, Professional Safety Consultants, LLC
- Location: Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana
- Dates of Fraud: 2015 – 2017
- Victim: Terrebonne Parish School Board
- Amount Defrauded: $212,618.26
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 666(a)(1)(A) – Theft from a program receiving federal funds
- Sentence: 5 years probation, 8 months home confinement, $212,618.00 restitution
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. This incident highlights the importance of rigorous oversight and verification processes when dealing with contractors providing critical safety services to public institutions.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Hot Springs Man Sentenced for PPP UI Fraud, Hot Springs AR, 2023 · Louisiana
- Marcus Dewane Carr, Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, TX, 2023 · Oklahoma
- Matthew Taylor Morones, Bank Fraud Scheme, Beaumont TX, 2023 · Oklahoma
- Vernon Harrison, Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, Montgomery AL, 2023 · Alabama
- Derrick Gadsden and David Gadsden, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Montgomer… · Florida
