William Robles, Pesticide Violations, FL 2018

MIAMI, FL – William Robles, owner of AAA Pest Protection Inc. (d/b/a AAA Pest Control, Inc.), was sentenced to a year in federal prison this month for repeatedly violating federal pesticide regulations, putting residents and employees at risk. The case, investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, reveals a pattern of negligence and disregard for safety protocols during structural fumigations.

According to court documents, Robles and his employee, Pierce Long, illegally applied sulfuryl fluoride – a restricted use pesticide – on at least two occasions in 2016 without adhering to critical safety requirements. These violations included failing to provide adequate warnings to residents prior to fumigation, neglecting to equip employees with essential personal protective equipment, and improperly aerating treated spaces. Crucially, the team also skipped mandatory hazard postings and failed to verify the complete removal of the toxic gas before allowing residents to re-enter their homes.

The EPA’s investigation further uncovered a more systemic issue. Between March 2013 and April 2015, Robles admitted to conducting approximately 580 fumigations without possessing a functional and properly calibrated fumigant detection device. This equipment is vital for accurately measuring gas levels and ensuring the safety of both occupants and applicators. The absence of this device drastically increased the potential for dangerous exposure and created a significant public health risk.

Legal Ramifications

Robles pleaded guilty to violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), specifically 7 U.S.C. §136l, 7 U.S.C. §136l(b)(1)(B), and 7 U.S.C. §136j(a)(2)(G). These statutes govern the safe application of pesticides and mandate strict adherence to label instructions. His sentence reflects the severity of these offenses. In addition to the 12-month prison term and a $30,000 fine, Robles’ company, AAA Pest Protection Inc., was ordered to pay a $35,000 fine, serve a five-year probation period, and implement a comprehensive environmental compliance and employee training program. The company must also pay $2,181 in restitution to three victims affected by the negligent fumigations.

Employee Accountability

Pierce Long, the AAA Pest Control employee involved in the improper fumigations, also faced legal consequences. He was sentenced to 12 months and one day of incarceration, followed by a year of supervised release, demonstrating that individual employees are also held accountable for violations of federal pesticide laws. This case highlights the importance of thorough training and oversight within pest control companies.

Key Facts

• Defendant: William Robles & AAA Pest Protection Inc.
• Crime: Illegal pesticide application & FIFRA violations
• Location: Florida
• Year: 2018
• Pesticide Used: Sulfuryl Fluoride (restricted use)
• Violations: Failure to warn residents, improper PPE use, inadequate aeration, lack of gas detection equipment, failure to post hazard warnings.
• Penalties: Robles – 12 months imprisonment, $30,000 fine; AAA Pest – $35,000 fine, 5 years probation, restitution, compliance plan; Long – 12 months + 1 day imprisonment, 1 year supervised release.

The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of pesticide regulations to protect public health and the environment. This case serves as a stark warning to pest control operators that non-compliance will be met with serious legal repercussions.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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