New Jersey OSHA instructor admits selling fraudulent safety certificates

A South Jersey instructor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has admitted to selling fraudulent safety certifications to carpenters who didn't complete the required training.

Frederick Prinz, 38, pleaded guilty in federal court in Camden this week to making false statements.

Prinz was certified by OSHA's outreach training program to give workers the certificates, known as "OSHA 30" cards, after they passed a 30-hour course.

But the Marmora, Cape May County, man sold fraudulent OSHA safety certifications to New Jersey carpenters who didn't pass the necessary safety courses between February 2011 and July 2012, according to court records.

He sold more than 100 false certifications  during that time, prosecutors said, charging a fee of $150 to $250 per card.

Prinz could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on Dec. 10.