PROVIDENCE – The owner of a Rhode Island-based asbestos abatement training center admitted to a federal judge on Tuesday that he falsified training documents for people who never attended classes.
Jose Virgilio Fernandez, owner of Rhode Island Safety Environment Training Center, was accredited by the state to provide asbestos abatement training courses to workers. An investigation revealed that, on multiple occasions between 2021 and 2023, Fernandez submitted documents to the state Department of Health falsely certifying that participants attended all days of instruction and achieved passing examination scores.
Fernandez falsely stated in signed documents that 20 individuals attended and successfully completed a five-day, 40-hour program. In fact, no one attended the training sessions, with the exception of a federal agent, according to U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island Zachary A. Cunha.
Fernandez later admitted that, in many cases, he issued certificates to asbestos workers even though they did not actually attend or complete the abatement class.
“Asbestos poses significant health risks when handled improperly,” said Cunha in a statement., “Fernandez’ lies put Rhode Island contractors, not to mention those exposed to improperly handled asbestos, at risk.”
Fernandez pleaded guilty to making false statements. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 7.