Mancuso brothers convicted of fraud and environmental violations

Nov 20, 2009

Two brothers, Paul and Steven Mancuso of Utica, New York, were convicted of fraud and environmental violations stemming from their illegal asbestos business. Their father, Lester Mancuso, pleaded guilty before the trial. Their third brother, Ronald Mancuso, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the illegal asbestos dumping in Federal District Court earlier in October.

Paul Mancuso had an earlier conviction for illegal asbestos removal and disposal from 2003. He was convicted the following year for insurance fraud related to his business. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) banned him from doing any asbestos abatement work.

According to the DOJ, Paul used the help of his brother Steven, a lawyer, to set up companies in the names of relatives. Steven created fraudulent documents to make the asbestos work appear to be legal. Paul and Ronald’s workers illegally dumped asbestos into the fields of unwitting property owners. Paul had a former employee beaten up for threatening to report him to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The maximum penalty that Paul faces is 55 years in jail and a $2.75 million fine. Lester and Steven Mancuso each face a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a $250,000 fine. Ronald faces a maximum penalty of three years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

For the full story, go to WSYR.

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