Manchester, NH – Segundo Apuango was sentenced to 105 days in jail after admitting to falsifying an asbestos training certificate submitted to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). The case, investigated and prosecuted by state authorities, highlights the serious consequences of misrepresenting qualifications related to hazardous material handling.
According to court documents, Apuango altered the training certificate, attempting to demonstrate completion of required asbestos abatement coursework that he had not, in fact, completed. The falsified document was presented to NHDES officials, potentially jeopardizing public safety and violating state regulations designed to protect workers and residents from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
The investigation began on October 1, 2010, when discrepancies in Apuango’s submitted documentation were flagged by NHDES personnel. Further scrutiny revealed the alterations to the certificate. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and proper training is crucial for individuals involved in its removal, handling, and disposal. Submitting fraudulent credentials creates a significant risk of improper procedures and potential health hazards.
On January 12, 2011, Apuango entered a guilty plea to one count of falsification under New Hampshire’s Asbestos Management and Control Statute, specifically NHRSA 141-E. The judge, after considering the severity of the offense and Apuango’s admission of guilt, imposed a sentence of 105 days incarceration. Notably, no fine or period of probation was ordered alongside the jail time.
This case underscores the state’s commitment to enforcing regulations surrounding hazardous materials and holding individuals accountable for attempts to circumvent safety protocols. The NHDES routinely audits training records and investigates reports of fraudulent documentation. Industry experts suggest that the relatively short jail sentence, while a conviction, may not be a sufficient deterrent for others considering similar fraudulent activity.
The GrimyTimes has reached out to the NHDES for comment on this case and its implications for future enforcement efforts. A spokesperson confirmed the department’s ongoing vigilance in protecting public health and ensuring compliance with asbestos regulations. The incident serves as a stark reminder that falsifying qualifications related to hazardous materials carries substantial legal ramifications.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Segundo Apuango
- State: New Hampshire
- Year: 2011
- Charge: Falsification of asbestos training certificate
- Statute Violated: New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (NHRSA) 141-E
- Penalty: 105 days incarceration; no fine or probation
- Date of Charge: October 1, 2010
- Date of Plea/Sentence: January 12, 2011
GrimyTimes is committed to covering environmental crimes and holding perpetrators accountable.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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