Detroit, MI – Anthony Sharpe, owner of Sharpe Environmental, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in September 2011 for a widespread scheme to falsify lead testing reports for multiple apartment buildings in Detroit and across the metro Detroit area, as well as in Ohio. The fraud endangered families, particularly children, by falsely certifying properties as lead-free when dangerous levels of lead-based paint were present.
Sharpe’s company, Sharpe Environmental, conducted lead inspections purportedly to ensure compliance with regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, investigators found Sharpe routinely bypassed proper sampling procedures, yet still submitted reports – often using official City of Detroit laboratory forms – indicating that lead testing *had* been conducted and showed no presence of hazardous lead paint. These falsified reports were then submitted to EPA Region V and/or delegated HUD authorities.
The buildings in question housed families with young children, some of whom had already been diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels. A search warrant executed by the State of Michigan at one Detroit apartment building prior to EPA Criminal Investigation Division (CID) involvement, confirmed the presence of deteriorating lead-based paint, directly contradicting Sharpe’s submitted reports. The scheme wasn’t just about cutting corners; it was a deliberate deception to profit from falsely assuring landlords of compliance.
Adding to the gravity of the case, investigators discovered evidence suggesting a pattern of fraudulent activity. One subcontractor, MoReno Taylor, admitted to investigators that he did not perform the required XRF (X-ray fluorescence) readings, despite Sharpe Environmental reports claiming otherwise. In one instance, Taylor stated he and Sharpe allegedly took hundreds of readings in a single day at a large apartment complex – an impossible feat given the time and accuracy required for proper testing. This highlights the systematic nature of the deception.
Legal Ramifications
Sharpe was indicted on September 30, 2010, facing charges of making false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001), four counts of mail fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341), and transportation of stolen goods (18 U.S.C. 2314). Ultimately, Sharpe received an 18-month prison sentence, followed by 24 months of probation, and was ordered to pay $1,600 in restitution. Sharpe Environmental itself was sentenced to 60 months of probation and fined $5,000. The penalties reflect the seriousness of the offense and the potential health risks posed to vulnerable populations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Anthony Sharpe, owner of Sharpe Environmental
- Location: Detroit, Michigan and surrounding areas, Ohio
- Year: 2011
- Crime: Falsifying lead testing reports to falsely certify properties as lead-free.
- Victims: Families with young children residing in affected apartment buildings.
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements), 18 U.S.C. 1341 (Mail Fraud), 18 U.S.C. 2314 (Transportation of Stolen Goods)
- Penalties: Sharpe – 18 months imprisonment, 24 months probation, $1,600 restitution. Sharpe Environmental – 60 months probation, $5,000 fine.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fraudulent environmental testing and the importance of protecting children from lead poisoning. Authorities urge anyone suspecting similar violations to report them immediately to the EPA or HUD.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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