A car dealer who works in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties was recently fined for knowingly tearing down buildings that contained asbestos and lead.

The man has agreed to pay $600,000 in civil penalties.

Reason for the Fine

Steve John, who owns Ocean Chevrolet Inc., purchased a piece of property to supposedly build a dealership.

The lawsuit claims that John knowingly had 18 buildings that contained lead and asbestos.

He reportedly tore them down without first removing the dangerous substances.

John then took the materials to the Marina landfill to dispose of them.

Forced to Pay

Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will reportedly split the $200,000 fine that John is forced to pay for his wrongdoing.

A court order was also issued to John requiring him to comply with the rules and regulations issued by the safety code in relation to asbestos.

(Source: cbs5)

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