Texas asbestos contractor pleads guilty to negligence
Jack Coiner is the owner of Asbestos Maintenance Services Inc. of Amarillo, Texas. He pleaded guilty on December 14 to a federal charge of negligently releasing the toxic substance asbestos into the air. Between July 2007 and May 2009, Coiner had instructed two of his employees to store asbestos at two locations. He had intended to store the asbestos, which was properly sealed, and eventually dispose of it at a permitted landfill, but finances prevented him from following through. Over time, some of the bags and barrels that contained the asbestos eroded, releasing the hazardous material into the air. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other serious illnesses. Coiner could face up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
For the full story, go to Amarillo.com.
