Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

A federal trial against two brothers, Steven and Paul Mancuso, began this week in the U.S. District Court in Syracuse, New York. The Mancusos are being accused by the U.S. Attorneys office of violating asbestos removal laws. This is the second time for being charged with violating Environmental Protection Agency asbestos laws for Paul Mancuso, who pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2003 for not following regulations set forth by the Clean Air Act. Soon after, Paul Mancuso was forbidden to work in any capacity in the asbestos industry.

 

Last week, the attorney for Paul Mancuso tried to prove that EPA investigator provided false statements to get the search warrant that ultimately unveiled the asbestos removal scheme. U.S. District Judge Frederick Scullin Jr. ruled that there was no actual proof that Patrick Fraccola, the former EPA agent, had provided false information in order to obtain search warrants, and the trial would proceed.

 

Scrutiny first began back in 2005 when an employee of the Mancuso brothers was caught illegally dumping asbestos on rural property in Herkimer County near Poland. This discovery led to search warrants and finding further evidence of conspiracy by the three Mancusos of illegal asbestos removal.

 

Asbestos is a highly carcinogenic mineral that can be found in many construction and industrial products. If inhaled, asbestos can cause serious diseases, such as mesothelioma. Asbestos is particularly harmful when in an airborne state, which is likely to occur during construction, removal or dumping.   The federal government strictly enforces guidelines for asbestos removal in order to prevent exposure and later development of asbestos related diseases. 

 

Paul Mancuso faces up to 55 years in prison and more than 2.5 million in fines, while his brother faces 5 years and up to $250,000. Another brother, Ronald, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and agreed to testify at trial. The Mancuso’s father, Lester, also pleaded guilty yet refuses to testify on behalf of prosecutors against any of his sons. 

 

If you believe that you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos and may suffer from mesothelioma, please call toll free to 1-800-440-4262 to talk to one of our expert mesothelioma attorneys at our California asbestos law firm.  An asbestos lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma lawsuits can help to identify the sources of exposure and seek financial compensation to help cover any costs associated with loss of wages or treatment.