Waste hauler, construction company shut down after allegations of murder cover-up

New York City’s Business Integrity Commission, which regulates the city’s waste management industry, voted unanimously not to renew the license of Staten Island, New York-based hauler Flag Container Services and its affiliated construction company, Formica Construction, following allegations of a murder cover-up, The New York Daily News reports. The loss of licensure is expected to take effect June 26.

The commission noted that the loss of licensure stems from William Formica, who is a principal of the companies in question, lying during the renewal process, being indicted for his roll in a murder investigation, and unsafe behavior and misconduct displayed on the job by the companies he oversaw.  

Formica was arrested in January for allegations that he helped cover up the 2018 murder of Michael Stewart, an area construction worker, who was reportedly stabbed to death by Angelo Nesimi in Nesimi’s apartment.

Formica was the landlord of the complex Nesimi lived in, and police say that Formica helped Nesimi remove evidence from the apartment. Subsequently, Formica was charged with felony drug possession, tampering with physical evidence and criminal nuisance. The trial is ongoing.

Formica had previously faced fines for “willfully disregard[ing] demolition safety protocols,” which led to the death of one of the company’s contractors during the demolition of an area car dealership.