Two former inspectors with the District of Columbia Department of the Environment (DDOE) were sentenced to one year in prison and two years of supervised release for accepting bribes to overlook asbestos violations at a construction site, federal authorities announced Monday. Joe Parrish, 52, and Gregory Scott, 60, were convicted on one count of solicitation and receipt of a bribe by a public official, stemming from a scheme to profit from their positions of public trust.
According to court documents, Parrish and Scott discovered significant asbestos issues during an inspection of a 10-story building undergoing demolition and renovation on P Street SW in August 2011. Instead of reporting the violations, the inspectors allegedly approached the general contractor and demanded a total of $20,000 in exchange for suppressing the findings. A cooperating witness, an employee of the management company, alerted authorities, leading to a sting operation where the inspectors were caught accepting the final $15,000 payment.
The investigation, a joint effort by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the D.C. Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed that the inspectors had initially indicated they would prepare a report leading to fines of $280,000 to $300,000 for the violations. They then offered to “burn” the report – effectively concealing the asbestos hazards – for the bribe money. The timing of the illicit meeting was particularly notable, occurring just minutes after a moderate earthquake shook the Mid-Atlantic region.
Key Facts
- Defendants: Joe Parrish, Gregory Scott
- Crime: Bribery of a public official
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Year: 2012
- Bribe Amount: $20,000
- Violation: Failure to report asbestos violations, accepting bribes
- Penalties: 12 months imprisonment, 24 months supervised release, 100 hours community service, resignation from DDOE, and a ban on future government employment.
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “When government officials treat their responsibility to the public as a commodity to be bought and sold, we are all put at risk.” The EPA highlighted the danger posed by asbestos exposure, noting that even low levels can lead to cancer and other serious respiratory diseases. The actions of Parrish and Scott were particularly egregious given their roles in protecting public health and safety.
In addition to the prison sentences, both Parrish and Scott were ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and are permanently barred from seeking employment with any federal or local government agency. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability within public service, and the commitment of federal agencies to prosecute those who abuse their positions of trust. The specific statute violated was related to bribery, carrying a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, although the actual sentences were lighter due to plea agreements.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lionel Andre led the prosecution, with assistance from paralegals and legal assistants. The investigation was also supported by Special Agent Elliott Taylor of the D.C. Office of the Inspector General, demonstrating a collaborative effort to ensure the integrity of the District’s environmental protection programs.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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