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Lead-Based Paint Scam in Westville Exposed
A 66-year-old man from Orange, California, has admitted to performing unlicensed lead-based paint testing in Westville, New York, in 2010. Ronald Barney, who previously lived in Constable, New York, pleaded guilty to violating the Toxic Substances Control Act.
According to court documents, Barney performed an inspection and risk assessment for lead-based paint on a residence in Westville on November 4, 2010, despite not being certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to do so. He then billed the town $2,500 for these services.
The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sean O’Dowd in Albany and Robert Keenan of the Central District of California.
As part of his plea, Barney was sentenced to a two-year term of probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. The case was a result of a joint investigation by the EPA Criminal Investigations Division and the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
Special Agent in Charge Vernesa Jones-Allen of the EPA Criminal Investigations Division and Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, praised the work of their agencies in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.
United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian said, ‘The defendant’s actions put unsuspecting homeowners at risk. We will continue to work to protect the public from environmental crimes.’
Barney’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of proper certification and training when it comes to lead-based paint testing.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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