Commercial Pesticide Applicator Charged with 27 Felony Counts

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 1, Nassau and Suffolk Counties 8nov00 

Faces Up to Seven Years in Prison if Convicted

 A Middle Island man was charged with 27 felony counts on October 6 after an investigation by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) revealed he allegedly submitted altered training certificates in order to maintain his Commercial Pesticides Applicator certification.

This arrest sends a clear message, DEC Regional Director Ray Cowen said. The safe and effective use of pesticides requires training. People who try to avoid  maintaining and enhancing their skills by not receiving training are putting the public at risk, and such behavior will not be tolerated. DEC  investigators said Israel Tirado, 49, of 213 Lake Pointe Circle, Middle Island, was employed by Terminix International at the time of his arrest.

He was charged with nine felony counts each of second degree forgery, second degree possession of a forged instrument and offering a false instrument for filing.  If convicted on all charges he faces a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison. State law requires commercial pesticide applicators to renew their licenses every three years and that they complete required recertification courses on a six year basis.  According to DEC investigators, Mr. Tirado allegedly submitted documents to the DEC Albany-based Pesticide Applicator Certification renewal office indicating he had completed   recertification training during 1999. A two month investigation, however, revealed course numbers listed on the certificates were for classes given during the early 1990s.

According to DEC Supervising Pesticide Control  Inspector Vincent A. Palmer, on-going training is necessary for pesticide professionals to maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to safely apply potentially hazardous chemicals. The DEC requires this training to protect public health and environmental resources from the improper use of pesticides, he said. Mr. Tirado has done nothing to hone his skills with respect to being a competent applicator in the safe and effective use of pesticides. Mr. Tirado next scheduled court appearance is set for  December 15 in Suffolk County District Court in Islip. 

The arrest was the result of joint investigation by the DEC Division of Law Enforcement and the Division of Environmental Enforcement. Linda Spahr, Bureau Chief of the Environmental Crimes Unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney Office,  is handling the prosecution of the case.

Contact: Mark Lowery (631) 444-0350