14 DAY TRIAL // After an industrial complex in north Modesto went bankrupt, the US Environmental Protection Agency came and cleaned out all the toxic residues but no one took the time to take care of the personnel files that were lying around.
According to The Modesto Bee, initially the paperwork was stored in containers but once the EPA left scavengers and thieves began to desecrate the facility and a large number of documents remained exposed.
Currently, the problem is taken care of, county jail prisoners filling four dumpsters with documents that contain everything from social security numbers to medical records.
"If a tornado had come through there, it would have looked better than it does now," revealed one of the workers. "We had to get all the papers out. There were cabinets with the drawers all dumped out. The desks were turned over, and there were ceiling tiles, insulation and everything on the floor."
Unfortunately, authorities handled the situation only after the media picked up the story, but in the meantime anyone could have retrieved the sensitive information that belonged to the former employees.
We all know how easy it is for someone to steal our identity once they get their hands on banking statements or any other private data.
Because the plant was abandoned and no one owns it anymore, it's not considered to be private property, so those who trespass and thieve the place cannot be prosecuted.
Former employees fear their credits might be ruined and no one will be there to blame.
"I worked for them for 10 years, and they did us pretty dirty. We trusted these people," revealed Tim McVay. "What if somebody got my personal information? Who's left to blame for that? Somebody has got to be held accountable."
The people involved in the unfortunate situation and anyone who experienced similar issues should closely monitor their bank accounts.