Updated: 11/11/2010 04:08:00 PM PST
MERCED, Calif.—Three executives of a now-defunct nonprofit have been indicted on federal charges that they knowingly placed teenagers in jobs that exposed them to asbestos.
Rudy Buendia, Patrick Bowman and Joseph Cuellar ran the Merced-based nonprofit Firm Build, which provided job training for young people.
Prosecutors say the three men sent dozens of teens to remove cancer-causing asbestos asbestos from an old building between 2005 and 2006.
The Merced Sun-Star reports that a grand jury indicted the three Wednesday on charges submitting false statements and Clean Air Act violations. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.
They already face state charges of child endangerment and knowingly exposing someone to harmful materials.
Attorneys for the men have denied any wrongdoing.
Source: http://www.mercurynews.com
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