Five-month asbestos trial

Sentencing followed a five-month trial, where the jury convicted Alexander Salvagno, Raul Salvagno and AAR on each count to which they were charged. The defendants were convicted of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act or "RICO"; conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act; and violations of the Clean Air Act.

Additionally, Alex Salvagno was charged with three tax fraud counts, all related to a 10-year illegal asbestos removal scheme. The jury concluded that as part of the RICO charge, the defendants committed multiple acts of obstruction of justice, money laundering, mail fraud and bid rigging.

"The trial leading to these sentences exposed an extraordinary number of serious crimes that endangered many," said Assistant Attorney General Thomas L. Sansonetti. "The sentences imposed, the longest ever for environmental offenses, demonstrates the depth of the Justice Department's commitment to seek the most serious punishment for those who knowingly place human health at substantial risk of death and disease."

"The Northern District of New York considers the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes to be a high priority within the office," said U.S. Attorney Glenn T. Suddaby. "This investigation and prosecution is a tribute to that commitment, and a tribute to the outstanding results that can be achieved by the collaborative effort of the law enforcement agencies that worked together so well in this case."