6 former Fairfield officials appear in court after hazardous waste dumping allegations

Six former Fairfield officials were in court Monday, accused of dumping hazardous waste at sites all over town. The hazardous material were first detected back in 2016. A seventh defendant pleaded guilty last week.

News 12 Staff

Nov 15, 2022, 11:05 PM

Updated 535 days ago

Share:

Six former Fairfield officials were in court Monday, accused of dumping hazardous waste at sites all over town. The hazardous material were first detected back in 2016. A seventh defendant pleaded guilty last week.
Judge Kevin Russo said while none of the defendants were likely to reoffend, the charges against former town employees Brian Carey, Emmet Hibson and Scott Bartlett and former contractors Robert Grabarek and Jason Julian were too serious to qualify for accelerated rehabilitation.
Officials say at least nine states and federal agencies put resources into the investigation.
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials testified to officials' involvement in the illegal dumping of solid waste and PCBs.
Former chief financial officer Robert Mayer's accelerated rehabilitation motion continued to December while the court waits on more information.
Former Department of Public Works director Joe Michelangelo pleaded guilty to his part in the conspiracy last week. Town Attorney James Baldwin says remediation from the illegal dumping has cost the town millions and will cost millions more.
Investigators say Julian Enterprises accepted contaminated materials like asbestos and PCBs while managing Fairfield's fill pile on Richard White Way. Officials say they then sold the contaminated fill for other construction projects around town.


More from News 12
2:13
FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

FDNY: 1 critical, firefighter injured in East Flatbush apartment fire

1:23
Paddlers take on Bronx River during ‘Amazing Bronx River Flotilla’

Paddlers take on Bronx River during ‘Amazing Bronx River Flotilla’

1:26
Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday in New York City; widespread rain Sunday

Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday in New York City; widespread rain Sunday

2:00
Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

Families devastated after learning 2 Brooklyn Catholic schools will be shutting down

1:57
NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

NYPD, DOT officials launch plan aimed to keep motorcyclists, drivers safe

2:05
New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

New COVID memorial featured at entrance to Green-Wood Cemetery

1:37
Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

Bushwick man who lives near site of fire expresses concerns about air pollution

1:22
Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Weather and road closures: What to Know About The TD Five Boro Bike Tour

1:40
NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

1:53
Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

1:33
Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

0:29
Video captures moment NYPD officer rescues kitten in Brooklyn

Video captures moment NYPD officer rescues kitten in Brooklyn

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

1:55
Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

1:59
Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

1:41
New survey highlights challenges for migrants

New survey highlights challenges for migrants

1:55
PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu

PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu