Samuel E. Rosario-Moreta, Making False Statements, New Hampshire 2007

Manchester, NH – Samuel E. Rosario-Moreta was sentenced following a guilty plea to making false statements to a state regulatory agency, according to records filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, centered around a fraudulent application for an Asbestos Workers License submitted to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

The investigation revealed that Rosario-Moreta intentionally altered dates on the license application. While the precise nature of the alteration wasn’t detailed in court documents, the falsification was sufficient to trigger a federal criminal charge. The EPA’s focus on this case underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of programs designed to protect public health and the environment, particularly concerning the dangerous material asbestos.

On February 22, 2007, Rosario-Moreta was indicted on a single count of making false statements, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, Section 1001. This statute prohibits knowingly and willfully making any false statement of material fact in any matter within the jurisdiction of the federal government. The EPA argued that the altered application constituted such a false statement, as it directly related to the defendant’s qualifications to handle hazardous materials.

Following the guilty plea, Rosario-Moreta received a sentence of six months incarceration, which was *suspended*. He was instead placed on 24 months of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 federal fine. Crucially, the court also stipulated that Rosario-Moreta is prohibited from performing any asbestos abatement work while he remains unlicensed. This restriction is aimed at preventing potential exposure of the public and workers to the health risks associated with improperly handled asbestos.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Samuel E. Rosario-Moreta
State: New Hampshire
Year: 2007
Charge: Making False Statements (18 U.S.C. 1001)
Sentence: 6 months suspended incarceration, 24 months probation, $1,000 fine
Restriction: Prohibited from performing asbestos abatement work without a valid license.

The case highlights the potential for criminal penalties associated with falsifying documents submitted to government agencies, even in seemingly minor regulatory matters. Asbestos abatement is a highly regulated field due to the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue individuals who attempt to circumvent these regulations through fraudulent means. Further details regarding the specific altered dates or the intent behind the falsification remain unavailable.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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