Maryland Lead Paint Inspector Sentenced for Fraud and Unlicensed Radiation Machine Operation

BALTIMORE, MD – A Maryland-certified lead paint inspector has been sentenced for falsifying lead paint certificates and operating a radiation machine without the necessary license, as announced by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Rodney Barkley, the principal operator of Green Environmental, LLC, received a sentence of five years, all suspended, and two years of supervised probation. This sentencing follows his guilty plea to four counts of submitting a false lead paint risk reduction certificate and one count of operating a radiation machine without a license. The investigation into Barkley’s activities was initiated after the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) flagged discrepancies in documents submitted by the inspector in February 2024.

The MDE’s review uncovered that Barkley was utilizing an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) device that was not approved by the department. Furthermore, he lacked the required radioactive material license to operate such equipment. Subsequent investigation by the Attorney General’s Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit revealed that Barkley had issued numerous lead abatement certificates based on fabricated laboratory reports. These falsifications involved altering dates, addresses, and lead content figures on official lab documents, reportedly using software like Adobe Acrobat. In addition to the criminal proceedings, the MDE took administrative action by suspending Barkley’s accreditation and invalidating approximately 1,400 certificates he had previously issued.

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 such as the Full Risk Reduction Certificates and Lead Free certificates are crucial components in safeguarding tenants, particularly children, from the dangers associated with lead paint. The severity of Barkley’s fraudulent actions was highlighted by evidence indicating that children residing in properties for which he had issued certifications were later found to have elevated blood lead levels. The maximum penalties for falsifying lead paint certificates include up to two years of incarceration and a $50,000 fine, while operating a radiation machine without a license carries a maximum penalty of one year of incarceration and a $25,000 fine.

Residents are reminded that lead paint poisoning can have severe and lifelong health consequences, especially for children. It is essential for property owners to comply with lead safety regulations and for tenants to be aware of their rights and the importance of accurate lead inspections. Parents and guardians should remain vigilant in checking living spaces for potential lead hazards and ensuring that all required inspections are up-to-date. The actions of individuals like Barkley underscore the importance of rigorous oversight and enforcement of laws designed to protect public health.

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

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