Camden, NJ – A Bergen County contractor has been sentenced for knowingly violating federal regulations regarding asbestos removal, putting workers and the public at risk. Vele Bozinoski, 61, of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home confinement, following a guilty plea entered last September.
The case, investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), centers around work performed at the former Garden State Paper Mill in February 2007. Bozinoski hired a crew to remove insulation from the facility, which contained over 160 linear feet of asbestos-containing material. However, prosecutors allege Bozinoski deliberately bypassed crucial safety protocols designed to protect both his workers and the surrounding environment.
Negligence and Conspiracy
According to court documents, Bozinoski conspired with others to skip a thorough inspection of the paper mill for asbestos before work began. Crucially, he also allegedly failed to notify the EPA of the presence of the hazardous material, a direct violation of federal law. This lack of notification prevented regulators from overseeing the removal process and ensuring proper safety measures were in place.
Further compounding the issue, Bozinoski and his co-conspirators reportedly failed to adequately wet the asbestos-containing materials before stripping them from pipes and other surfaces – a process designed to minimize the release of dangerous fibers into the air. They also allegedly neglected to properly seal the removed asbestos in leak-tight containers for safe disposal. These omissions significantly increased the risk of airborne asbestos exposure, a known carcinogen linked to severe respiratory diseases including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Legal Ramifications
Bozinoski was charged with conspiracy to violate Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 371, and violating 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) of the Clean Air Act, which governs asbestos work practice standards. The Clean Air Act mandates strict procedures for asbestos removal to prevent the release of harmful fibers. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. While Bozinoski avoided jail time, the six-month home confinement and three-year probation serve as a warning to others in the industry.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation was led by special agents from the FBI’s field office and the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen P. O’Leary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark prosecuted the case. This sentencing highlights the continued commitment of federal agencies to enforcing environmental regulations and holding individuals accountable for endangering public health.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Vele Bozinoski, 61, of Elmwood Park, NJ
- Location: Former Garden State Paper Mill
- Date of Offense: February 2007
- Charges: Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371) and violation of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4))
- Sentence: 3 years probation, 6 months home confinement
- Asbestos Amount: Over 160 linear feet of asbestos-containing material
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Letitia James Convicts Google of Ad Monopoly Violation, New York, 2023 · Illinois
- Ticketmaster, Antitrust Violation, New York NY, 2023 · Nevada
- SCP Management LLC, Clean Air Act Violation, New York 2024 · New York
- William Saiff III, Migratory Bird Treaty Act Violation, NY 2024 · New Jersey
- Garrett Elder, Wire Fraud Scheme, Anchorage AK, 2016-2022 · Alaska
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime