Mold removal fraud case

NEW HAVEN,Conn.(AP) - Federal prosecutors say the owner of a mold remediation company has pleaded guilty to defrauding school systems in Easton, Bristol and Manchester.

Authorities say 62-year-old Ronald Schongar of Clifton Park, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud in U.S. District Court in New Haven on Friday.

He had been indicted in 2006 on three counts of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud.

Schongar operated Microb Phase, a company hired by the school districts to remove mold from their buildings.

Prosecutors say Schongar claimed he applied a certain product, but that he had no authorization to use or advertise it.

Authorities say he is expected to be sentenced to between four and 24 months in prison when he is sentenced April 17.