Federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the owner of a Denver apartment complex for asbestos released into the air during a renovation project.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office claims the asbestos released near Sports Authority Field at Mile High placed people in imminent danger of death.

Asbestos Released During Apartment Renovations

During a one-month 2014 renovation project, the Overlook at Mile High Apartments released asbestos from two towers of its complex into open air, according to court documents.

During that time, thousands packed Sports Authority Field at Mile High for two Broncos playoff games.

In February 2014, when health officials learned renovation work had caused possible exposure to the hazardous material, the residents of 94 apartment units at the complex had to be evacuated and moved into hotels.

Specifically, the owner of The Overlook at Mile High apartments in Denver, Willmax Capital Management, Inc., and John “Tom” Williams, a corporate executive, are being charged with knowingly violating a federal rule that requires owners to inspect for the presence of asbestos prior to renovating a facility.

Williams is also accused of negligently releasing asbestos into the air, putting people at risk for potential scarring of the lungs and a form of lung cancer called mesothelioma.

According to his attorney, at a hearing next month Williams is expected to officially enter a plea of guilty to one federal misdemeanor charge and will receive his sentence six to eight weeks later.

Conviction on the criminal charges could mean a year in prison for Williams and a $100,000 fine. Dallas-based Willmax Capital Management could be forced to pay more than $500,000 in fines.

Williams says he has spent nearly $1 million to fix issues relating to asbestos released at the apartments and has also agreed to pay for medical bills to monitor the health of tenants and workers, according to his attorney.

Williams’ attorney also believes the asbestos released as a result of the renovations would not have affected those at the stadium for the playoff games. There have yet to be any reports of illness connected to the alleged asbestos release.

Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure

Even though the average asbestos levels in buildings today seem to be very low, an estimated 3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. This does not include the general public who may be exposed to asbestos released into the air during construction projects.

The most common symptoms of asbestos exposure are coughing, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss.

The detectable symptoms of asbestos exposure can appear up to 25 years after exposure. Due to the progressive nature of asbestos-related diseases, when a respiratory problem arises and there has been potential exposure to asbestos, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Filing an Asbestos Cancer Lawsuit

Persons who have been diagnosed with lung cancer or other asbestos-related diseases can contact an asbestos attorney to learn of their rights to file a legal claim for damages.