Metro Briefs

DISTRICT

Capitol tunnel workers file complaint

Workers who maintain the tunnels beneath the Capitol say they are working in hazardous conditions.

The workers spend more than seven hours a day in the tunnels, where they said they are exposed to high levels of asbestos, falling concrete and temperatures of up to 160 degrees.

Their complaint against the Architect of the Capitol said the office has neglected the conditions and then harassed and intimidated the crew after they complained publicly.

Three of the 10 workers have seen specialists for asbestos-related illnesses. The others want to see a doctor, too, but they want Congress to pay for their tests and treatment.

The architect’s office had no comment about the harassment issue but said it has tried to protect the workers’ safety. The tunnel crew says no improvements were made.

MARYLAND

GREENBELT

Bank robber sentenced to 16 years

A Forestville man was sentenced yesterday in a string of bank robberies, federal prosecutors said.

Donnell Duane Berry, 30, was sentenced to more than 16 years in prison. He received an enhanced sentence because he is a career offender.

He was ordered to pay restitution of almost $47,000.

Berry robbed 13 banks over four months last year in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, netting more than $47,000. Prosecutors said the most Berry received during a robbery was about $8,800. The least was a little more than $400.

Story Continues →