Utica businessman Mancuso indicted

SYRACUSE —

A 45-year-old Utica businessman previously convicted of illegal asbestos removal faces up to 55 years in federal prison after being indicted Thursday for a second time on charges he violated the federal Clean Air law.

Paul Mancuso also was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, violate the federal Superfund Act and commit mail fraud, said U.S. Attorney Andrew Baxter.

Indicted on the same charges were Mancuso's 70-year-old father Lester and his brother Steven, 37, also both from Utica.

The charges involve illegal asbestos removal at numerous locations throughout Upstate New York, Baxter said.

Another brother, Ronald, pleaded guilty earlier this month in federal court to conspiracy to violate the Superfund Act. Among other things, Ronald Mancuso admitted illegally dumping asbestos on the sides of roads.

Paul Mancuso was convicted in 2003 of illegal asbestos removal and disposal. In 2004, he was convicted of insurance fraud related to his prior asbestos business.

As a result of Paul Mancuso's earlier convictions, he was prohibited from engaging, directly or indirectly, in any asbestos abatement work and associating with anyone who was engaged in any violations of law, Baxter said.

The indictment charged that Paul Mancuso set up companies in the names of relatives and associates to hide his continued involvement. He and his father then engaged in numerous asbestos projects that contaminated various businesses and homes, and, on multiple occasions, dumped asbestos from removal jobs by the sides of roads.

Steven Mancuso, a lawyer, was charged with helping his family engage in illegal activity by preparing false and fraudulent documents to make it appear that their work was legal and they were entitled to payment, Baxter said.

If convicted, Paul Mancuso faces a maximum penalty of 55 years and a fine up to $2.75 million. Lester Mancuso could be sentenced to 23 years in jail and fined as much as $1.25 million.

Steven Mancuso faces up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Ronald Mancuso faces up to three years in jail and a fine up to $250,000.

The names of the defendants' attorneys were not immediately available.

Asbestos causes lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.