Baltimore, MD – David Gillis, former manager of Home Free Lead Inspections (HFLI), was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine after being found guilty of federal violations related to fraudulent lead paint inspections in Maryland. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), revealed a systematic scheme to falsely certify properties as lead-free, potentially endangering residents, particularly children.
The investigation began in December 2017 after the MDE received a complaint concerning ongoing renovations at a Baltimore property. Despite workers claiming the building was lead-free, a subsequent MDE inspection confirmed the presence of lead-based paint – a known health hazard. Further scrutiny of properties inspected and certified by HFLI under Gillis’s management unveiled a disturbing pattern of negligence and deliberate misrepresentation.
Between February and September 2018, MDE conducted oversight inspections of numerous HFLI-certified properties. These inspections revealed that Gillis routinely bypassed proper lead-based paint testing protocols and accepted methodologies mandated by Maryland regulations. Properties containing lead-based paint were falsely certified as safe, putting unsuspecting occupants at risk of exposure. This exposure is particularly dangerous for young children, who are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of lead poisoning, including developmental delays and learning disabilities.
To quantify the extent of the fraud, MDE, with funding from the EPA, contracted an environmental firm to reinspect 219 properties previously certified by HFLI. The results were alarming: a staggering 129 properties – 59% of those reinspected – failed the lead-based paint inspection, confirming the presence of the hazardous material. This indicates a widespread and deliberate pattern of falsification by Gillis and HFLI.
According to investigators, Gillis not only failed to personally adhere to proper testing procedures but also directed others within HFLI to do the same. He allegedly failed to test all required areas for lead-based paint, neglected to document its presence when found, and ultimately issued false “lead-free” certificates. This constituted a clear violation of federal regulations designed to protect public health and safety.
Legal Ramifications
Gillis was found to have violated the following statutes:
- 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) – False Statements under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
- 15 U.S.C. 2689 – Violations related to lead-based paint activities and certifications.
His sentence includes five years of probation and a substantial $50,000 fine, reflecting the severity of the offense and the potential harm caused by his actions. The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of accurate lead-based paint inspections to safeguard communities from the dangers of lead exposure.
Key Facts
- Defendant: David Gillis, Manager of Home Free Lead Inspections (HFLI)
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Years of Fraud: Approximately February 2018 – September 2018
- Reinspected Properties: 219
- Properties Failing Reinspection: 129 (59%)
- Penalties: 5 years probation, $50,000 fine
- Laws Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2615(b), 15 U.S.C. 2689
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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