AUBURN, WA – Wolfgang “Tito” Roempke, 73, owner of Auburn Valley Cars, has been sentenced to 30 days in federal prison for knowingly exposing employees and potentially the public to dangerous asbestos during the demolition of a former diner in Auburn, Washington. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, highlights a deliberate scheme to circumvent environmental regulations and cut costs at the expense of public health and worker safety.
According to court documents, Roempke ignored a certified asbestos inspection in May 2008 that revealed widespread contamination in the “Old Town and Country Diner” building. The inspection identified ten different building materials containing between 2% and 10% asbestos, including ceiling tiles, roofing, and wall paneling. Faced with $20,000 bids for proper asbestos abatement, Roempke instead sought to downplay the contamination. He enlisted Michael Neureiter, who then contracted with Bruce Thoreen, a certified inspector, to conduct a second survey with instructions to minimize reported asbestos levels.
Thoreen ultimately delivered a falsified report claiming the building contained no regulated asbestos-containing materials. Despite knowing the initial report’s findings, Roempke directed employees of his car dealership to demolish the building in late August 2008, without any protective measures or proper disposal protocols. The resulting demolition debris was treated as ordinary construction waste, effectively releasing hazardous asbestos fibers into the environment. Prosecutors argued Roempke’s actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for the well-being of his workers and the surrounding community.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Roempke pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7412(h) and 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1). The charges stemmed from his deliberate attempt to avoid the costs associated with safe asbestos removal and his subsequent unlawful demolition. In addition to the 30-day prison sentence, Roempke was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $50,000 criminal fine and a $50,000 community service payment to the National Environmental Education Foundation. The sentence, delivered by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour, was intended to send a strong message about the severity of environmental crimes.
The investigation revealed a coordinated effort involving multiple individuals. Michael Neureiter received a sentence of one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Bruce Thoreen received a probationary sentence for his role in falsifying the asbestos inspection report. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Oesterle emphasized the importance of the prison sentence for Roempke, arguing it would deter others in the business community from prioritizing profit over safety and compliance.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Wolfgang “Tito” Roempke
- Crime: Asbestos Fraud & Illegal Demolition
- Location: Auburn, Washington
- Year: 2011 (Sentencing)
- Laws Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7412(h), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Clean Air Act)
- Penalties: 30 days imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $100,000 in fines/community service
- Co-conspirators: Michael Neureiter and Bruce Thoreen also faced criminal charges.
- Asbestos Found In: Ceiling tiles, roofing, wall paneling, and other building materials.
“Asbestos is a silent killer,” stated U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “Mishandling asbestos puts unprotected workers and members of the public at risk. We will not allow businesses to cut corners on environmental protection at the expense of our communities.” The EPA’s Special Agent-in-Charge, Tyler Amon, added that the case serves as a warning: “If you cut corners on asbestos removal to save money, we will pursue and prosecute you.”
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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