Denver, CO – Martin Flores, operating under the business name The Environmental Solutions Group, was sentenced to 30 months incarceration and ordered to pay $264,068 in restitution following a state-level criminal investigation into fraudulent asbestos abatement practices. The case, brought to light by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), revealed a pattern of deception and disregard for public health and safety.
According to court documents, Flores and his company engaged in a scheme to falsely represent their qualifications to customers seeking asbestos sampling and removal services. Investigators found that Flores misrepresented both himself and The Environmental Solutions Group as properly licensed and certified to perform the work, despite lacking the necessary credentials. This misrepresentation was coupled with the generation of fraudulent bid information designed to secure contracts from homeowners and insurance companies.
The fraud wasn’t limited to pre-contractual deception. During actual asbestos abatement projects, Flores, along with his employees, demonstrably failed to adhere to established and legally mandated asbestos disposal procedures. This created a significant risk of environmental contamination and potential health hazards for both workers and the public. The improper handling of asbestos, a known carcinogen, constitutes a serious public health threat, and investigators prioritized a thorough investigation when the discrepancies were discovered.
The investigation, which began in late 2017, uncovered multiple instances where Flores knowingly submitted false claims for payment. Insurance companies were defrauded through inflated invoices and charges for work that was either not performed or conducted improperly. Customers, believing they were receiving legitimate and safe asbestos abatement, were unknowingly exposed to potential health risks and financial loss. The CDPHE worked closely with state prosecutors to build a case demonstrating a clear pattern of intentional wrongdoing.
Legal Ramifications
Flores was found to have violated several Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS). Specifically, he was convicted under CRS 29-22-108, pertaining to deceptive trade practices; CRS 18-5-211(e)(4), concerning false claims and insurance fraud; and CRS 25-7-12213(a), relating to improper asbestos handling and disposal. The sentencing reflects the severity of these violations, combining both financial restitution to compensate victims and a substantial prison term as punishment for the criminal conduct.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Martin Flores dba The Environmental Solutions Group
- State: Colorado
- Year: 2018
- Sentence: 30 months incarceration & $264,068 restitution
- Violated Statutes: CRS 29-22-108, CRS 18-5-211(e)(4), CRS 25-7-12213(a)
- Crime: Fraudulent asbestos abatement practices, including false licensing claims, fraudulent bidding, and improper disposal.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unqualified contractors and the importance of verifying credentials before engaging in hazardous material abatement. The Colorado CDPHE urges all residents to thoroughly vet contractors and report any suspected violations to the appropriate authorities.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Sarah Johnson, CARES Act Loan Fraud, Denver CO, 2023 · Washington
- Hot Springs Man Sentenced for PPP UI Fraud, Hot Springs AR, 2023 · Louisiana
- Emily Marie Johnson, $3.3M COVID Relief Fraud, Denver CO, 2023 · Colorado
- Amadou Kane Diallo, $1.8M Investment Fraud Scheme, Orange County CA… · California
- John Doe, Wire Fraud, Miami FL, 2023 · Florida
