Two former District of Columbia Department of the Environment (DDOE) inspectors were sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to accepting bribes to overlook asbestos violations at a construction site, federal authorities announced. Joe Parrish, 52, and Gregory Scott, 60, both formerly of Washington, D.C., were convicted of bribery and faced consequences for compromising public health and safety for personal financial gain.
The investigation, initiated by the FBI and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General, revealed that Parrish and Scott accepted a total of $20,000 from a cooperating witness representing a management company undertaking demolition and renovation work at a 10-story building on P Street SW. In exchange for the payments, the inspectors agreed not to report serious asbestos infractions that would have resulted in significant fines – estimated between $280,000 and $300,000 – and potential jail time for the company.
Details of the Scheme
According to court documents, the scheme unfolded in August 2011. Parrish and Scott identified asbestos issues during an inspection and then proposed a deal to the contractor: silence in exchange for cash. A meeting was arranged, and the inspectors explicitly stated their willingness to “burn” the report detailing the violations if the bribe was paid. The exchange took place shortly after a minor earthquake rattled the Mid-Atlantic region, adding a surreal backdrop to the corrupt transaction. The cooperating witness, working with law enforcement, made initial payments of $2,500 to each inspector, followed by a final payment of $15,000 just before their arrest on September 1, 2011.
Sentencing and Penalties
On May 21, 2012, U.S. District Judge Robert L. Wilkins sentenced both Parrish and Scott to 12 months of incarceration, followed by 24 months of supervised release and 100 hours of community service. As part of their plea agreements, both men were required to resign from their positions with the DDOE and were permanently barred from seeking future employment with any federal or local government agency. The specific charge was violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201(b)(2)(C) – bribery of a public official, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine. The actual sentence reflected a consideration of their acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with investigators.
Government Response
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. condemned the actions of the former inspectors, stating that their willingness to prioritize personal gain over public safety was “offensive” and would not be tolerated. James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the seriousness of disregarding public health, particularly concerning a known carcinogen like asbestos. Charles Willoughby, Inspector General for the District of Columbia, highlighted the office’s commitment to protecting both the city’s treasury and the well-being of its citizens. David G. McLeod, Special Agent in Charge of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program, underscored the dangers of asbestos exposure and the importance of holding those who put the public at risk accountable.
Key Facts
- Defendants: Joe Parrish and Gregory Scott
- Crime: Bribery of a public official
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Year: 2011
- Bribe Amount: $20,000
- Violation: 18 U.S.C. § 201(b)(2)(C)
- Penalty: 12 months imprisonment, 24 months supervised release, 100 hours community service, resignation from DDOE, ban from future government employment.
- Nature of Bribery: Inspectors accepted money to overlook asbestos violations at a construction site.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lionel Andre, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Diane Hayes, Legal Assistants Jared Forney and Krishawn Graham.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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