William M. Threatt, Jr., Clean Air Act Violation, Missouri 2013

Kansas City developer William M. Threatt, Jr. has been sentenced for knowingly violating federal regulations regarding asbestos handling during the demolition and renovation of the Citadel Plaza Redevelopment Site. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, highlights a disregard for public health and environmental safety in pursuit of redevelopment.

Threatt, 71, was sentenced on October 15, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to a $10,000 fine and five years of probation. The probation includes the possibility of up to 120 days served at a halfway house and a requirement of 250 hours of community service. Threatt pleaded guilty to the charges on February 1, 2012, admitting to multiple failures in adhering to established asbestos safety protocols.

According to court documents, Threatt, as president and owner of the Citadel Plaza project, and his co-defendant, Anthony Crompton, failed to properly manage asbestos-containing materials removed from numerous structures between April 2001 and July 2006. Crompton, who served as an operator for the site and a real estate director for the Community Development Corporation of Kansas City, directed the demolition work and also pleaded guilty, receiving a three-year probationary sentence.

The violations, detailed in the EPA investigation, were extensive. Threatt and Crompton neglected to conduct a thorough inspection for asbestos before commencing demolition, failed to safely remove asbestos materials before disruptive work began, and did not implement adequate dust control measures – such as wetting or ventilation – during removal and disposal. Furthermore, they reportedly failed to utilize leak-tight containers with proper warning labels, maintain accurate shipment records, ensure trained personnel were present, and dispose of asbestos waste at approved facilities. These failures directly contravene established regulations designed to prevent the release of hazardous asbestos fibers into the air.

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Defendant: William M. Threatt, Jr.
Crime: Clean Air Act violation – Improper asbestos handling and disposal
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Year: 2013 (charges filed 2010, sentencing 2012)
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – Knowingly violating the Clean Air Act.
Penalty: $10,000 fine, five years probation (including potential halfway house time), 250 hours community service.
Co-Defendant: Anthony Crompton, also pleaded guilty and received three years probation.

The prosecution, led by Acting U.S. Attorney David M. Ketchmark, underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and holding individuals accountable for endangering public health. Asbestos exposure is known to cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to strict safety protocols when dealing with hazardous materials during demolition and renovation projects. The case is cross-referenced with the prosecution of Anthony Crompton (case ID 2323) on the EPA’s criminal enforcement database.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases