Indianapolis, IN – Local contractor Paul Walker, 56, was sentenced earlier this month for illegally removing asbestos from an occupied apartment building, putting residents at risk of serious health consequences. The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, highlights the dangers of improper asbestos abatement and the commitment of federal agencies to enforcing environmental regulations.
According to court documents, Walker was contracted to perform renovation work at an apartment building located on 38th Street and Central Avenue in Indianapolis in mid-2015. The project included the removal of asbestos insulation from piping and a boiler in the building’s basement. Walker initially assured the building owner that a licensed asbestos abatement company would handle the hazardous material, even providing a quote from a professional firm. However, he ultimately performed the removal himself, allegedly to cut costs.
The decision to self-remove the asbestos proved to be a blatant violation of federal law. Asbestos, while harmless when undisturbed, releases dangerous fibers into the air when removed improperly. These fibers can cause severe respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Walker failed to adhere to mandated safety protocols, such as wetting the material to contain fibers and employing proper disposal methods. While subsequent testing showed the fibers hadn’t reached inhabited areas, the potential for exposure was significant, prompting a full investigation.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case originated with a complaint received by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), which dispatched an air quality inspector to the site. The inspector’s findings were forwarded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigations Division in Indianapolis. This collaborative effort led to Walker being charged with negligent endangerment under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4)).
Walker pleaded guilty on August 8, 2016, and was sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch to four months of house arrest, followed by two years of probation, and a $2,000 fine. The professional removal of the asbestos, at Walker’s expense, followed the discovery of his illegal actions. U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler emphasized that knowingly endangering public health for financial gain will not be tolerated.
Regulatory Oversight and Public Safety
Jeffrey Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Indiana, stated that Walker’s actions demonstrated a disregard for public health and that accountability would be pursued. IDEM Commissioner Carol S. Comer echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting human health and the environment. This case serves as a stark warning to contractors and property owners: adherence to asbestos abatement regulations is not merely a suggestion, but a legal obligation.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Paul Walker, 56, Indianapolis, IN
- Crime: Illegal asbestos removal, negligent endangerment
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) – Clean Air Act
- Date of Sentence: August 8, 2016
- Penalties: Four months house arrest, two years probation, $2,000 fine
- Location: Apartment building at 38th Street and Central Avenue, Indianapolis
- Investigating Agencies: U.S. EPA Criminal Investigations Division, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)
Assistant United States Attorney Nick Linder prosecuted the case for the government.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- R.P. Schaler Contractor, Inc., Asbestos Violations, IN 2000 · Illinois
- Paul F. Ficker, Pesticide Poisoning, IN 2012 · Kentucky
- John Riazzi, Asbestos Crime, OH 2020 · Ohio
- Hot Springs Man Sentenced for PPP UI Fraud, Hot Springs AR, 2023 · Louisiana
- Anthony Hill, $3.2M DCFS Fraud Scheme, Chicago IL, 2024 · Illinois
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime