A former asbestos investigator has been sentenced to prison for a pattern of deceit, repeatedly lying to authorities while illegally continuing to work with the hazardous material. Peter Ray Ward, 48, of the Bronx, was sentenced this week following his guilty plea to multiple counts of fraud and violating the terms of his supervised release.
Ward’s legal troubles began in 2006 when he was convicted of Clean Air Act violations for failing to notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before removing asbestos. He received a 27-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release, during which he was explicitly prohibited from engaging in any asbestos-related work. Upon his release from incarceration in February 2008, Ward was required to submit monthly reports to the U.S. Probation Office detailing his employment and finances, certifying the information as “complete and correct.”
However, from May 2008 through July 2010, Ward operated his companies, TUC Environmental Group, Inc. and Oak Drive Enterprises, Inc., continuing to perform asbestos abatement work despite the court-ordered restrictions. To conceal this activity, Ward submitted falsified monthly reports to the Probation Office. These reports allegedly omitted earnings from asbestos jobs, mischaracterized the nature of the work as simple “demolition,” and failed to provide supporting documentation. The scheme was designed to evade scrutiny and continue profiting from illegal asbestos removal, placing both workers and the public at risk.
Investigation and Prosecution
The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division uncovered the scheme, leading to a March 2011 indictment charging Ward with 17 counts of making false statements in violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, Section 1001. Ward promptly pled guilty to all counts. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating that Ward demonstrated a “breathtaking disregard for the judicial system.” William Lometti, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, added that the government “will not tolerate those who repeatedly violate the law and place the public’s health at potential risk.”
Sentencing and Penalties
On July 7, 2011, Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald sentenced Ward to an additional 27 months of incarceration, to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $2,000 federal fine. The sentencing reflects the severity of the repeated offenses and the potential danger posed by Ward’s unlawful activities. Each count of making false statements carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, while violating the terms of his supervised release carries a maximum sentence of two years.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Peter Ray Ward
- Location: New York, NY
- Years Active: 2008-2010 (while on supervised release)
- Crime: Fraud, Violation of Supervised Release
- Companies Involved: TUC Environmental Group, Inc. & Oak Drive Enterprises, Inc.
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001
- Sentence: 27 months incarceration, 36 months supervised release, $2,000 fine
- Prior Conviction: Clean Air Act violations (failure to notify EPA of asbestos removal) in 2006
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and the consequences of deceiving the court system. Authorities continue to prioritize the enforcement of environmental laws and the prosecution of individuals who prioritize profit over public safety.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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