Men plead not guilty to charges of exposing kids to asbestos
Three men who were in supervisory positions for Firm Build, a non-profit organization to help at-risk students, have been charged with child endangerment and knowingly exposing teenagers to harmful materials during a cleanup operation at the Automotive Training Center at Castle Commerce Center in Merced, California. Rudy Buendia III, Patrick Bowman, and Joseph Cuellar pled not guilty to all charges.
Operating on a tip from a witness, the Merced County district attorney’s office launched a seven-month-long investigation into the site in November 2009 before accusing the three of cutting corners by using teenagers to remove asbestos. Five potential victims have come forth, but as many as 80 teens may have been involved in illegal asbestos removal. The law states that trained workers wearing protective gear must perform asbestos removal and specific procedures must be followed for handling and disposal of debris. If asbestos is inhaled, it can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.
For the full story, go to Merced Sun-Star.
