Indictment Charges Illegal Removal Of Asbestos

David Mermelstein, 53, of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with five counts of illegal removal of asbestos, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. The indictment alleges that from in or about September, 2009 through in or about April, 2010, Mermelstein hired day laborers instead of licensed asbestos contractors to remove asbestos from commercial property he owned at 10175 Northeast Avenue, Philadelphia. The indictment alleges that Mermelstein directed the removal of asbestos by these laborers without safeguards required by federal law.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 25 years imprisonment and a fine of $1.25 million.

The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the City of Philadelphia’s Air Management Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Virgil B. Walker and Special Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Miller.

Click here to view the indictment

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525