Orange, CA – A former New York resident has been sentenced for conducting illegal lead-based paint inspections in the Town of Westville, New York, authorities announced. Ronald Barney, 66, of Orange, California, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge stemming from uncertified testing conducted in 2010.
The case, initially brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, was resolved in the Central District of California where Barney now resides. According to court documents, Barney performed a lead-based paint inspection and risk assessment on a Westville property on November 4, 2010, despite lacking the required EPA certification. He subsequently billed the town $2,500 for the services.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires individuals performing lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments to be certified, ensuring the safety of residents and proper identification of potential hazards. Lead-based paint, common in homes built before 1978, poses significant health risks, particularly to children, causing developmental problems and other serious health issues. Performing such inspections without proper training and certification can lead to inaccurate results and inadequate protection for occupants.
The investigation was a joint effort between the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. Authorities stated that the collaboration highlights the commitment to protecting public health and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The case underscores the importance of verifying credentials before hiring contractors for lead-related services.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Ronald Barney
- Location: Westville, New York (inspection); Orange, California (sentencing)
- Year of Offense: 2010
- Year of Plea: 2015
- Year of Sentencing: 2016
- Statutes Violated: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), 15 U.S.C. 2615(b)
- Penalty: Two years of probation and a $2,500 fine
United States Magistrate Judge Douglas F. McCormick of the Central District of California sentenced Barney to a two-year term of probation and ordered him to pay the $2,500 fine on March 4, 2016. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean O’Dowd (Northern District of New York) and Robert Keenan (Central District of California) prosecuted the case. GrimyTimes will continue to follow developments in environmental crime and enforcement.
The prosecution emphasized that Barney’s actions not only violated federal law but also potentially endangered the health of residents by providing potentially inaccurate assessments. This case serves as a warning to others who may attempt to circumvent EPA regulations related to lead-based paint and other hazardous materials.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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