Contractors Charged with Illegal Asbestos Removal

Two contractors were indicted on charges of illegal asbestos removal earlier this week in Rochester, NY.

The two men are associated with Chili general contracting company and are also being accused of lying to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Men Put Employees at Risk

Keith Gordon-Smith and David Vega Jr., are the contractors being accused of putting their employees at risk with the illegal removal of asbestos from a former hospital.

According to reports, Gordon-Smith and Vega ordered employees to remove the copper piping from ceilings in the facility knowing that there was asbestos present.

Gordon-Smith Contracting, which Keith is the president of, has also been charged with violating the Clean Air Act.

Contractors Penalized

The charges against the contractors reportedly carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and/or a fine of $25,000.

The charge against the company carries a fine of up to $500,000.

(Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

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