Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, along with Tyler Amon from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and Jocelyn E. Strauber from the New York City Department of Investigation, announced that Jose Correa has pled guilty to negligently causing asbestos to be released into the air. This incident put others at risk of death and serious injury, violating the Clean Air Act. Correa entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky, with the case assigned to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated: "As he admitted in court today, Jose Correa decided to cut corners by failing to hire an asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove floor tiles and mastic from a supermarket in East Harlem." He added that Correa endangered workers by not providing safety equipment.
EPA-CID Special Agent Tyler Amon remarked on the health risks associated with asbestos exposure and criticized Correa for conducting work "on the cheap," thereby endangering workers and others.
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber emphasized that improper handling of asbestos poses serious risks and highlighted federal regulations meant to mitigate these dangers. She noted that Correa's guilty plea underscores the consequences of disregarding such regulations.
According to information presented in Manhattan federal court, between November 2022 and December 2022, Correa was employed as a general contractor for a project at an East Harlem supermarket where he removed asbestos-containing materials without hiring professionals or providing protective gear for workers.
Correa, aged 66 from Englewood, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count related to this incident, carrying a maximum sentence of one year in prison. The final sentencing will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Williams commended both EPA-CID and DOI for their investigative efforts on this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman from the Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division.