Baltimore, MD – Walter Clews, the principal manager of now-defunct American Homeowner Services (AHS), has been sentenced for defrauding Maryland homeowners through falsified lead-based paint (LBP) inspections. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and culminating in a sentencing on November 12, 2019, reveals a systematic scheme to profit from inaccurate and misleading environmental assessments.
Between May 2010 and June 2014, AHS operated as an accredited LBP abatement services contractor, authorized by the Maryland Department of the Environment to conduct inspections for the presence of lead-based paint in homes. These inspections, typically costing between $300 and $400, were intended to provide homeowners with crucial information about potential health hazards. However, the EPA’s investigation uncovered that Clews and AHS consistently violated federal regulations governing these inspections.
The core of the fraud lay in the manipulation of inspection reports and the issuance of improper “lead-free” certificates. Investigators found that AHS procedures were deliberately designed to circumvent proper testing protocols and documentation requirements. This allowed the company to falsely certify properties as lead-free, potentially exposing residents – particularly children – to the dangers of lead poisoning. The scheme involved hundreds of Maryland residences, putting a significant number of families at risk.
GrimyTimes has learned that Clews, as the principal manager, was directly responsible for overseeing these deceptive practices. While AHS presented itself as a trustworthy environmental service, internal procedures prioritized profit over accurate assessments and regulatory compliance. The EPA’s criminal enforcement action underscores the agency’s commitment to holding accountable those who exploit public trust and endanger communities through environmental fraud.
Legal Ramifications
Clews was found to have violated the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), specifically 15 U.S.C. 2615(b). This section of the TSCA prohibits knowingly violating regulations related to lead-based paint activities. As a result of the conviction, Clews was sentenced to 12 months of probation and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. The penalties, while seemingly modest, send a clear message that falsifying environmental inspections carries legal consequences.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Walter Clews
- Company: American Homeowner Services (AHS)
- State: Maryland
- Years of Operation: May 2010 – June 2014
- Crime: Fraudulent Lead-Based Paint Inspections
- Statute Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) (Toxic Substances Control Act)
- Penalty: 12 months probation & $10,000 fine
- Approximate Inspection Cost: $300 – $400 per home
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying credentials and scrutinizing environmental reports before purchasing or renting a property. Homeowners are urged to report any suspected instances of lead inspection fraud to the EPA or their state environmental agency.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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