Clifton Park, NY – A New York man was sentenced last year for defrauding Connecticut school districts out of an undisclosed sum while posing as a mold remediation expert. Ronald Charles Schongar, owner and operator of Microb Phase LLC, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud stemming from a scheme that spanned from 2001 to 2004. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, revealed a pattern of deceit targeting schools in Easton, Manchester, and Bristol, Connecticut.
Schongar’s company, Microb Phase, was contracted to address mold issues in school buildings using a product called “Microb Shield.” However, authorities discovered that Microb Shield was never registered with the EPA as a legitimate mold remediation solution. Instead, Schongar falsely claimed the product was EPA-approved, referencing the registration number of a completely different product – “Microbe Shield” – registered to a company in Midland, Michigan. He had no legal right to use this registration number or imply any affiliation with the Michigan-based company.
The deception didn’t stop there. Schongar further misled school officials by fabricating a partnership between Microb Phase and the EPA, bolstering his credibility and securing contracts. He then proceeded to apply the unregistered and potentially hazardous “Microb Shield” throughout classrooms, exposing students and staff to an unknown chemical substance under the guise of mold remediation. The actual composition of the sprayed substance remains largely unknown, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects.
Legal Ramifications
Schongar was initially indicted on January 20, 2006, facing three counts of mail fraud (18 U.S.C. §1341) and two counts of wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §1343). He ultimately pleaded guilty to a single count of mail fraud on January 30, 2009. On July 31, 2009, he received a sentence of six months of home confinement, followed by five years of probation. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service as part of his sentencing.
A Pattern of False Claims
The EPA’s investigation highlights a growing concern regarding fraudulent environmental services. Unregistered products, like the one used by Schongar, pose significant risks to public health and the environment. The agency emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any company offering mold remediation or other environmental services, urging consumers to check for EPA registration and proper licensing. This case serves as a warning to others who might attempt to profit from misleading claims regarding environmental safety.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ronald Charles Schongar
- Company: Microb Phase LLC
- Location: Clifton Park, New York (operated in Connecticut)
- Victims: School districts in Easton, Manchester, and Bristol, Connecticut
- Years Active: 2001 – 2004
- Fraudulent Product: “Microb Shield” (unregistered with EPA)
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. §1341 (Mail Fraud), 18 U.S.C. §1343 (Wire Fraud)
- Sentence: 6 months home confinement, 60 months probation, 100 hours community service.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. Anyone with information regarding similar fraudulent schemes is encouraged to contact the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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