New Jersey Man Indicted In Connection With Asbestos Removal

PHILADELPHIA - Ronen Bakshi, 53, of Voorhees, New Jersey, was charged today by indictment in connection with the removal of asbestos-containing material from a former church located at 1133 Spring Garden St., in Philadelphia, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Bakshi is charged with one count of falsifying records to obstruct or impede the investigation of a matter within the jurisdiction of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and one count of wire fraud.

According to the indictment, on or about April 23, 2009, Bakshi submitted a bill to his client, Siloam, via e-mail covering his charges for March 9 through April 23, 2009.  The bill totaled $34,910, and included charges for time that Bakshi claimed that he or his employees had performed asbestos project inspector duties at the Church, including taking air samples.  According to the indictment, Bakshi made up log book entries and sampling data to correspond with the bill, making it appear that Bakshi had worked at the Church on those days monitoring the work of the asbestos abatement contractor when he knew that neither he nor his employees had been present. 

If convicted of all charges, Bakshi faces a maximum possible statutory sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and possible restitution.

The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the City of Philadelphia’s Air Management Services office.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Martin Harrell and Patricia C. Miller from EPA.

Click here to view the indictment

An Indictment is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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