SPRINGFIELD - In an update to a story WAND has been following for several months, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of Illinois has announced that a Sherman man will face federal charges in connection to asbestos removal at the Pillsbury Mills Plant in Springfield.
According to a release from Central District spokesperson Sharon Paul, Joseph Chernis IV, 33, will face charges related to alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, and for allegedly making false statements related to asbestos removal at the former Pillsbury Mills Plant. A grand jury returned the indictment on May 5, 2016.
Paul says the indictment alleges that Chernis hired an untrained individual to illegally remove dry asbestos pipe insulation from multiple buildings at the plant, resulting in the Dryer building to be demolished with more than 1,000 linear feet of asbestos remaining inside the structure. Chernis also faces two charges of making false statements, with the alleged statements being made during a hearing in court in October 1, 2015 regarding work being performed at the plant. Paul adds that the indictment charges Chernis with four violations of the Clean Air Act.
Chernis is scheduled to appear for arraignment on June 7, 2016. If convicted, Chernis could face a maximum penalty of five years per charge, and a fine of up to $250,000 per charge.Â
You may view the entire release from Sharon Paul here. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
