John Mayer, Asbestos Violations, Toledo OH, 2023

Two Toledo residents, John Mayer, 52, and Timothy Bayes, 32, are facing serious charges for violating the Clean Air Act in a brazen attempt to profit from discarded asbestos.

The duo allegedly orchestrated the illegal removal of asbestos-laden insulation from a former manufacturing plant, intending to sell the scrap metal. According to U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach, Mayer’s actions ignored federal regulations intended to safeguard public health and the environment.

Between September 2010 and December 2010, Mayer directed others to remove the hazardous material without proper wetting or notification of local environmental authorities. Bayes is accused of disposing of over 82 bags of the dangerous material at various sites across Toledo, in direct contravention of federal disposal laws.

Dettelbach emphasized that his office and the Justice Department are committed to protecting the environment, noting that such violations were not only illegal but also reckless.

Each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court, taking into account factors like criminal records and roles in the offense. Despite the severity of the charges, sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, often far less than the maximum allowed.

The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort between the U.S. EPA Criminal Investigation Division, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas A. Karol and Special Assistant United States Attorney James J. Cha are handling the prosecution.