Man Expected to Plead Guilty in Iowa Asbestos Removal Case

Court records say the supervisor of a renovation project in Des Moines’ Equitable Building has agreed to plead guilty to asbestos-removal charges.

The Des Moines Register says Russell Coco’s lawyer confirmed that Coco will plead guilty to violating the Clean Air Act and conspiracy to impede and impair EPA asbestos-removal procedures.

Coco and his boss, developer Bob Knapp, are accused of illegally removing asbestos from 2005 to 2008.

The indictment says asbestos from the building was put in open bins, then dumped in a landfill.

Asbestos can cause lung illnesses and cancer.

Coco and Knapp were scheduled to begin trial on Feb. 28.

Coco’s lawyer would not comment on whether Coco will testify against Knapp. Knapp’s lawyer would not comment.

Information from: The Des Moines Register