News Release Pinellas Park Man Arrested for Identity Theft June 22, 2005 The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, along with agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center, have arrested Terrance Michael Alonzo, 49, of Pinellas Park, Fla. on one count of identity theft and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Florida Statute, Chapter 469 deals with regulations and requirements for the proper removal and disposal of asbestos material stemming from remodeling, renovation, or destruction of buildings and structures. Every such project must have a licensed asbestos consultant (LAC) involved to monitor and ensure that the project meets the statute requirements. The LAC is a designated licensed professional in Florida regulated through the Division of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). One of the primary requirements is that a person who is licensed as a LAC must be a professional engineer, architect, or geologist. Alonzo did not have the proper credentials to be certified as a LAC. It should also be noted that a LAC's oversight of an asbestos abatement project is designated to protect the health and safety of the surrounding areas and the citizens who reside there. Information had been developed by the EPA indicating that Alonzo had been soliciting asbestos related work throughout Florida and represented that surveys, air-monitoring, and other related activities performed by him, were under the direct oversight of a licensed asbestos consultant (LAC). The investigation revealed that Alonzo knowingly used the identities and credentials of several Licensed Asbestos Consultants without their prior knowledge or approval. Alonzo was booked into the Pinellas County Jail under a $5,000 bond. The Office of Statewide Prosecution in Tampa is the prosecuting authority. For more information, contact: Special Agent Paul Bouffard (813) 274-6498 United States Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division - Tampa Manuel Pondakos, FDLE, Clearwater Field Office, (727) 298-2482   Richard Morera Public Information Officer FDLE - Tampa Bay (813) 878-7239 or 878-7300