Jose Virgilio Fernandez Sentenced

Asbestos Removal Training Center Owner Sentenced for Making False Statements to the EPA and RI Health Department

PROVIDENCE, RI – The owner of an asbestos abatement training center who falsified documents attesting individuals paid for, attended, and successfully completed an Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)-approved abatement training program when, in fact, no one attended the classes was sentenced today to two years’ probation, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

On multiple occasions, between 2021 and 2023, Jose Virgilio Fernandez, owner of Rhode Island Safety Environment Training Center, submitted documents to the Rhode Island Department of Health falsely certifying that participants attended all days of instruction and achieved passing examination scores.

As reflected in charging documents and information provided to the court, Fernandez falsely stated in signed documents that twenty individuals, whose names he provided, attended and successfully completed a five-day, 40-hour program the week of May 22, 2023. In fact, the only person who attended was an EPA agent acting in an undercover capacity who attended for two hours on the first day of classes.

The Toxic Substances Control Act, implemented by the EPA, requires that workers who perform asbestos abatement attend and pass an EPA-approved asbestos training program which, in Rhode Island, is overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

Fernandez pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025, to a federal charge of making false statements. In addition to being sentenced to probation, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., ordered Mr. Fernandez to complete ethics training prior to engaging further in providing asbestos abatement training programs or courses.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams with the assistance of EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Man Chak Ng.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance the Rhode Island Department of Health.