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TWO HOUSTON BUSINESSMEN INDICTED ON ASBESTOS CHARGES
Release Date: 04/06/2000
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2000
TWO HOUSTON BUSINESSMEN INDICTED ON ASBESTOS CHARGES
Eric Kung-Shou Ho and Manuel Robles Escobedo, both of Houston, Texas, were indicted on March 30 for multiple violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and other federal statutes. All charges relate to the renovation of the Alief General Hospital in Houston. Ho was charged with seven violations, including conspiring with Escobedo to violate the CAA, failing to notify the government of asbestos releases and making a false statement to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Escobedo was charged with five violations including conspiracy, failing to implement required asbestos workplace standards and making false statements to OSHA during an administrative proceeding. Improper removal of asbestos can cause the airborne release of asbestos fibers which, if inhaled in sufficient quantities, can cause lung cancer, a lung disease known as “asbestosis,” and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal cavities. If convicted, each of the charges against Ho carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and/or maximum prison term of 2-15 years. Escobedo faces a maximum fine of $250,000 and/or a maximum prison sentence of 5 years on each charge, if convicted. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas.
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