Masons, Fraud, VA 2004

Hampton, VA – Macsons, Inc., a Virginia-based environmental abatement company, and its employee, William McCloud, were sentenced earlier this month for defrauding federal and state agencies by submitting falsified asbestos training certificates. The scheme allowed Macsons to secure lucrative contracts for asbestos abatement work at sensitive locations, including Langley Air Force Base and NASA Langley Research Center, potentially endangering workers and the public.

According to court documents, Macsons and McCloud purchased hundreds of fraudulent training certificates from F&M Environmental Technologies, Inc., a now-convicted operation specializing in the sale of fake certifications. These certificates were then presented as legitimate proof of employee training in asbestos removal, a highly regulated field due to the material’s severe health risks. F&M pled guilty in 2001 to selling these certificates across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.

The investigation, a collaborative effort involving multiple federal agencies including the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, and NASA’s Office of Inspector General, revealed that Macsons employees working on these projects lacked the proper training to safely handle and remove asbestos. Asbestos exposure can lead to debilitating illnesses, including various cancers and asbestosis, a fatal lung disease, and the EPA has stated there is no safe level of exposure. The company knowingly misrepresented the qualifications of its workforce to win contracts and cut corners on safety protocols.

On September 30, 2003, both Macsons, Inc. and McCloud pled guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001, a federal statute prohibiting knowingly and willfully making false statements to the federal government. On January 7, 2004, Judge Leonie M. Brinkema of the U.S. District Court handed down the sentences: Macsons, Inc. received one year of probation and a $100,000 fine. McCloud was sentenced to six months incarceration, followed by one year of supervised probation, and a $12,000 fine.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Macsons, Inc. and William McCloud
Crime: Fraudulent submission of asbestos training certificates
Location: Virginia, specifically Langley Air Force Base & NASA Langley Research Center
Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001, and violations of the Clean Air Act regulations regarding asbestos handling.
Penalties: Macsons – $100,000 fine, 1 year probation. McCloud – 6 months incarceration, $12,000 fine, 1 year probation.
Co-conspirator: F&M Environmental Technologies, Inc. (previously convicted)

This case highlights the critical importance of proper training and certification in the hazardous waste abatement industry. Authorities emphasize that this is an ongoing investigation, targeting other companies and individuals who may be involved in similar fraudulent practices within Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Klein and Department of Justice attorney Noreen McCarthy prosecuted the case.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this story and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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