A Connecticut contractor has been sentenced for a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by falsifying lead abatement inspection reports. John Scheerer, 41, of Thomaston, was found to have submitted approximately 30 fraudulent reports between March 2006 and March 2010, related to home improvement projects funded by HUD revitalization programs.
Scheerer’s company performed lead abatement work on residential properties across Connecticut. Instead of contracting independent, certified lead inspectors to verify the work’s completion and safety – a requirement of the HUD funding – Scheerer fabricated reports using the letterhead of a legitimate inspection company. These reports falsely claimed that thorough visual assessments and dust wipe sampling had been conducted, meeting HUD standards, when in fact, no such inspections occurred.
The scheme involved forging the signature of the inspection company’s president on the fabricated reports, creating the illusion of legitimate clearance. The falsified documentation allowed Scheerer to receive federal funds intended to ensure the safety of residents, particularly children, from lead exposure. While subsequent testing ultimately revealed no significant lead hazards remained in the affected homes, the fraudulent activity still resulted in wasted taxpayer money and a breach of public trust.
Investigation and Prosecution
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) led the investigation into Scheerer’s activities. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj Patel and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Peter Kenyon. Scheerer initially waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty on May 3, 2012, to one count of making a false statement, violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001, and 33 U.S.C. 1319.
Sentencing and Restitution
On September 10, 2012, U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton sentenced Scheerer to 24 months of probation, with the first six months to be served under home confinement. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 federal fine and $11,160 in restitution to cover the costs incurred by affected cities and towns to re-inspect the properties and verify their lead-safe status. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense, which endangered public health and improperly diverted federal funds.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Scheerer
- Location: Connecticut
- Years Active: 2006 – 2010
- Crime: Falsifying lead abatement inspection reports to defraud HUD.
- Statutes Violated: Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code (18 U.S.C. 1001), 33 U.S.C. 1319
- Penalties: 24 months probation (6 months home confinement), $1,000 fine, $11,160 restitution. Maximum prison term of 5 years.
- Number of Fraudulent Reports: Approximately 30
This case serves as a reminder of the EPA’s commitment to protecting communities from environmental hazards and holding accountable those who attempt to profit from fraudulent schemes involving federal programs. The EPA-CID continues to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes, ensuring that individuals and companies comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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