New Haven, CT – Rezart Rakaj was sentenced to one year of probation, a $9,500 fine, and 50 hours of community service this week, bringing a close to a 2015 case involving the illegal and dangerous removal of asbestos from a commercial property at 206-220 Wallace Street. The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, alongside the City of New Haven Health Department and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), revealed a blatant disregard for public health and environmental regulations.
According to court documents, Rakaj, along with his brother Kliton Rakaj and another family member, purchased the property in November 2015. They were explicitly informed by the realtor that the building contained asbestos and were provided with a prior abatement bid of approximately $117,000. Despite this knowledge, the defendants opted to forego professional asbestos abatement services, instead hiring workers to demolish portions of the building and remove asbestos-containing materials themselves. This decision ultimately led to a hazardous situation, exposing workers and potentially the surrounding community to dangerous asbestos fibers.
City of New Haven Health Department inspectors, responding to an anonymous complaint on November 20, 2015, discovered the illicit operation underway. The inspection revealed workers carelessly ripping out asbestos-containing pipe wrap and tank insulation—both highly friable forms of the dangerous substance—without any of the required safety protocols. Investigators observed asbestos material being thrown directly onto the floor, with no attempts made to wet the materials, utilize negative air machines to contain airborne fibers, or establish protective barriers. While workers were provided with dust masks and suits, these were inadequate for asbestos abatement and were not properly decontaminated, rendering them ineffective.
GrimyTimes has learned that inspectors documented approximately 100-150 standard garbage bags filled with suspected asbestos-containing waste at the site. The reckless handling of the material presented a significant health risk, as exposure to asbestos is known to cause severe respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. The defendants’ decision to cut corners on safety measures to save money ultimately placed both their workers and the public at risk.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Rezart Rakaj (and Kliton Rakaj, who received the same sentence)
- Location: 206-220 Wallace Street, New Haven, Connecticut
- Crime: Illegal Asbestos Removal
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), 42 U.S.C. 7412 (Clean Air Act)
- Sentencing: One year of probation, $9,500 fine, 50 hours of community service.
- Additional Penalties: Defendants also face a fine from OSHA.
Both Rezart and Kliton Rakaj pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Clean Air Act in November 2018. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and Sarala V. Nagala successfully prosecuted the case. OSHA is also pursuing a separate financial penalty against the defendants for workplace safety violations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to environmental regulations and the severe consequences of failing to do so, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos.
The EPA’s ongoing commitment to criminal enforcement of environmental laws aims to deter others from engaging in similar unlawful and dangerous practices. The agency continues to prioritize the protection of public health and the environment by holding those who violate these laws accountable for their actions.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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