Portland, OR – Long Dang Bui, a local landlord, was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution following a guilty plea to federal charges of making false statements, according to court records obtained by GrimyTimes. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, centers around allegations of falsified lead-based paint disclosure forms for multiple residential properties Bui rented in the Portland area.
The investigation began in early 2005, focusing on Bui’s compliance with federal regulations requiring landlords to inform tenants about potential lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing. Federal law mandates that property owners provide accurate disclosures about known lead-based paint and any related records or reports. Investigators suspected Bui was deliberately misrepresenting the condition of his properties on these legally required forms.
On February 25, 2005, Bui was formally indicted on 18 counts of violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1001 – a statute prohibiting knowingly making false statements to the federal government. The indictment alleged Bui knowingly provided inaccurate information regarding lead-based paint assessments and potential hazards within his rental units.
Rather than contest the charges, Bui entered a guilty plea to a single count of 18 U.S.C. 1001. While the specifics of the falsifications remain largely sealed, court documents suggest the misrepresentations involved concealing the presence of lead-based paint or falsely claiming compliance with lead-safe practices. This plea allowed Bui to avoid a potentially lengthy trial and more severe sentencing.
Sentencing and Penalties
On June 27, 2005, Bui appeared before a federal judge and received a sentence of 60 months of probation. In addition to probation, Bui was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee. While a relatively lenient sentence, legal experts suggest the court considered Bui’s acceptance of responsibility through the guilty plea. The EPA often pursues these cases to ensure landlords are upfront about potential health hazards, particularly for families with young children who are most vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Long Dang Bui
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Year: 2005
- Statute Violated: 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements)
- Charge: Falsifying Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Forms
- Penalty: 60 months probation, $100 special assessment
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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