Developer indicted for asbestos exposure at downtown warehouse

Posted at: 02/04/2012 10:06 AM

Federal prosecutors say a home developer out of Livingston County violated the Clean Air Act at a downtown warehouse after having workers handle large quantities of asbestos. 

Anastasios “Taso” Kolokouris, 28, of Avon, N.Y, allegedly hired employees without any training in asbestos removal to clean out a dumpster full of the substance at a warehouse he owns at 920 Exchange St. 

Following an indictment by a grand jury, Kolokouris is charged with two counts of violating the Clean Air Act, each of which carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

The indictment is the latest development in a case that started back in December. An inspector from the Asbestos Control Bureau of the state's Department of Labor visited the property on Dec. 13 following a complaint, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

There, the inspector observed large quantities of material that looked like asbestos in and around the dumpster where people were working.

More than 90 bags of dry, friable asbestos were obtained from the scene and tested positive for asbestos following a search warrant executed at the site.

Federal prosecutors say any person who was in or around 920 Exchange St. between Aug. 1 and Dec. 14, 2011, may have been exposed.

Those who may have been exposed or have questions are asked to call the state Health Department, or the U.S. Attorney's Office hotline at 1-800-799-6033.

The investigation is the result of efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state Department of Environmental Conservation Police, the state Department of Labor, and the city of Rochester's Office of Public Integrity.

For more Rochester, N.Y., news, visit our website at www.whec.com

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