Inspectors accused of falsifying gas pipeline safety inspections across New York City and Westchester County
In a shocking turn of events, federal prosecutors in Manhattan have charged Liam Treibert and Michael Vasconcellos for allegedly faking hundreds of safety inspections on Con Edison's natural gas pipelines. The accused individuals, workers for an unspecified company that works with Con Edison, face charges of wire fraud, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
According to the U.S. Attorney's office, the accusations are based on an indictment that claims the individuals falsified records to show completion of critical safety tests on natural gas pipelines from 2016 to 2023. The safety inspections, which were throughout New York City and Westchester County, were meant to ensure Con Edison's natural gas pipelines were protected from gas leaks or explosions.
The charges are related to a process known as "radaring," where the accused individuals are accused of performing X-ray testing on one weld and passing off the same test for other welded connections. This deception allegedly allowed them to deceive Con Ed into believing they conducted inspections on hundreds of pipeline connections in the Bronx and Westchester County, for which Con Ed paid.
Attorney Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated that the accused individuals' actions put the lives of New Yorkers at risk. Con Ed spokesperson Jamie McShane shared similar sentiments, stating that the indictment will help deter future misconduct against Con Edison.
Con Ed has identified and is addressing weld irregularities linked to third-party contractors and has implemented enhanced monitoring to ensure the safe operation of its gas system. The lawyers representing Liam Treibert and Michael Vasconcellos in the Manhattan case are not publicly disclosed.
This is a developing story and may be updated. As the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and integrity in critical industries like energy infrastructure.
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