Lake Placid, NY – A contractor was sentenced to prison in 2007 for illegally removing asbestos from the historic St. Eustace Church and attempting to defraud the church and federal regulators. Troy Donie, of New York, received 27 months of incarceration and three years of supervised probation for his role in the hazardous materials scheme.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brought the criminal enforcement case after discovering Donie had improperly handled and disposed of asbestos-containing materials during renovations at the church. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, requires specialized removal and disposal procedures to protect public health. Donie bypassed these regulations, putting both workers and the surrounding community at risk.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Donie not only failed to adhere to safe asbestos abatement practices but also attempted to cover up his violations. He allegedly sought to obtain falsified air monitoring reports – documentation required to demonstrate a site is safe after asbestos removal – in order to falsely claim payment from St. Eustace Church. This attempt to deceive the church and regulatory bodies formed the core of the criminal conspiracy charge.
Legal Ramifications
Donie was initially charged on May 18, 2006, with one count of conspiracy to violate federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. 371, in conjunction with violations of the Clean Air Act. He quickly pled guilty to the conspiracy charge. The sentencing, handed down on December 5, 2006, included a $100 special assessment and an order to pay $28,950 in restitution to St. Eustace Church to cover the costs of properly remediating the asbestos contamination he created.
A Pattern of Disregard
The case highlights the serious consequences of disregarding environmental regulations and attempting to profit from illegal activities. The EPA’s criminal enforcement program targets individuals and companies that knowingly violate environmental laws, ensuring accountability and deterring future offenses. Sources close to the investigation indicate the EPA was particularly concerned with the potential health risks posed by Donie’s actions and the deliberate attempt to mislead authorities.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Troy Donie
- Location: Lake Placid, New York
- Crime: Illegal asbestos removal and disposal, conspiracy, fraud
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371, Clean Air Act
- Sentence: 27 months incarceration, 36 months probation
- Restitution: $28,950 to St. Eustace Church
- Plea: Guilty to one count of conspiracy
- Date of Sentencing: December 5, 2006
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to hold polluters accountable.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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