Bridger, Montana retired teacher receives sentence for exposing students to asbestos

Sep 4, 2008

A retired high school teacher in Bridger, Montana who required his special-education students to remove asbestos floor tiles from a school building—without warning and without proper protective equipment—has been sentenced in federal court. Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull handed down a one-year probationary sentence and denied the former teacher’s request for an unsupervised probationary sentence. Randal J. Ecker, 60, will be forced to report to a probation officer. During his quiet apology to the court, Ecker paused several times, struggling to maintain his composure. Ecker’s lawyer, Jay Lansing, described his client as the “nicest fellow” he has represented in twenty years.
Ecker had pleaded guilty to one felony count of violating the federal Clean Air Act by neglecting to supply written notice to the EPA prior to removing the asbestos tiles from the school. It is dangerous to remove asbestos floor tiles because the asbestos may become friable, releasing airborne fibers into the surrounding breathing space. When airborne, asbestos fibers may be breathed in and trapped in the lungs, resulting in asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Ecker could have received up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Still, according to Ecker’s attorney, the punishment is significant in the former teacher’s mind because the felony conviction prevents him from owning or possessing firearms.

For the full story, go to the Billings Gazette.

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