Baltimore Man Admits to Falsifying Lead Paint Certificates, Jeopardizing Children’s Health

A Baltimore City man has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the falsification of lead paint certificates, a scheme that potentially exposed children to dangerous lead poisoning, according to an announcement from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Rodney Bryan Barkley, 43, of Baltimore, admitted to violations of Maryland environmental laws concerning the issuance of fraudulent lead paint certifications. The investigation into Barkley’s activities was a collaborative effort between the Attorney General’s Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

The inquiry was initiated in February 2024 following a referral from the MDE. An MDE review revealed that Barkley, who held certification as a Lead Paint Inspector in Maryland and operated Green Environmental, LLC, had been using an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) device not approved by the MDE. Furthermore, he lacked the necessary radioactive material license to operate such equipment. The subsequent investigation by the Attorney General’s office uncovered evidence that Barkley had issued numerous lead abatement certificates based on manipulated laboratory reports. These falsifications included altering dates, addresses, and lead content figures on official documents to create counterfeit lead-free certificates. In addition to the criminal charges, the MDE took action to suspend Barkley’s accreditation and declared approximately 1,400 lead certificates he had issued as invalid.

The Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing law mandates that rental property owners adhere to specific safety standards before a property can be occupied. Certificates like the Full Risk Reduction Certificates and Lead Free Certificates are crucial components of protecting tenants, particularly children, from the severe health risks associated with lead paint. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that some children residing in properties for which Barkley had issued certifications were later found to have elevated blood lead levels, highlighting the gravity of his actions and the direct threat to public health.

Barkley entered his guilty plea on October 3, 2025, before Judge Sylvester Cox of the Baltimore City Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty to four counts of Falsifying a Lead Paint Risk Reduction Certificate and one count of Operating a Radiation Machine Without Obtaining a License. Sentencing is slated for February 3, 2026, at which time the state intends to recommend incarceration. Barkley faces a potential maximum of nine years in prison and fines totaling up to $225,000.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

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