Asbestos Violations Involve Utica Defendants Sentenced for Previous Violations in Upstate New York

In July 2009, the Utica Observer-Dispatch reported on the investigation and subsequent indictment of four members of the Mancuso family for roles in charges alleging they were involved in the illegal removal and disposal of asbestos, as well as the alleged fraudulent reporting of the family’s involvement in asbestos businesses and proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM).  The work sites include schools in South Utica and Marcellus, the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, commercial demolition projects in Theresa and Carthage, and a number of private home renovations in upstate New York.

In October 2008, Ronald Mancuso signed a plea agreement admitting his role with regard to illegal asbestos removal and disposal in which he agreed to cooperate in the federal indictment against his father and two brothers. He faces 5 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

The second brother, Paul Mancuso, had previously plead guilty to violating laws governing asbestos disposal in the 1990s, and also entered a guilty plea in 2004 in fraud charges related to another former asbestos business. The charges against Paul Mancuso include alleged violations of those plea agreements, which barred him from involvement with an asbestos removal business. He is also charged with allegedly using aliases, including out of state relatives, to conceal his involvement and management of asbestos-removal businesses.

The father, Lester Mancuso, is charged with allegedly violating federal environmental enforcement procedures and violations of notification and reporting requirements with regard to asbestos removal.

Steven Mancuso, an attorney who practiced in the Utica area, was also indicted for allegedly aiding the family businesses by creating fraudulent documents with regard to the business structure and ownership.

The case is tentatively set to go to trial in fall 2009.

Even short-term exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.