Maryland Inspector Sentenced for Fraudulent Lead Paint Certifications

Baltimore, MD – A Maryland-certified Lead Paint Inspector has been sentenced following an investigation into falsified certifications and the illegal operation of radiation equipment. The case highlights the critical importance of accurate lead risk assessments and the potential dangers to public health when regulations are violated.

Details of the Case

Rodney Barkley, principal operator of Green Environmental, LLC, received a five-year suspended sentence and two years of supervised probation after pleading guilty in October 2025 to multiple charges. These included submitting false lead paint risk reduction certificates and operating a radiation machine without the necessary license. The sentencing occurred in Baltimore City Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Sylvester Cox.

The investigation, initiated by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in February 2024, uncovered evidence that Barkley utilized an unapproved X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) device and lacked the required radioactive material license (RAM) to operate it. Further scrutiny revealed that Barkley had manipulated official laboratory reports, altering dates, addresses, and lead content levels using software like Adobe Acrobat, to issue fraudulent abatement certificates.

The Impact on Public Health

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown emphasized the severity of Barkley’s actions, stating that these fraudulent certificates needlessly put numerous children at risk of the lifelong consequences of lead poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even low levels of lead exposure can cause behavioral and learning problems, lower IQ, and slowed growth.Learn more about lead poisoning prevention from the CDC.

Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain affirmed a “zero tolerance” policy towards actions that endanger children, adding that the department remains committed to accountability. The MDE swiftly responded by suspending Barkley’s accreditation and invalidating over 1,400 certificates he had previously issued.

Understanding Lead Risk Reduction Certificates

Maryland law mandates that rental property owners comply with safety standards regarding lead paint before tenants occupy a property.Full Risk Reduction and Lead Free certificates are essential to safeguarding tenants, especially children, from the hazards associated with lead-based paint. This case underscores the importance of rigorous inspection processes and the repercussions of non-compliance.

Evidence presented during the case demonstrated that children residing in properties certified by Barkley were later diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels,further emphasizing the direct link between fraudulent inspections and real-world harm. A 2023 report by the Economic Policy Institute found that children in older housing stock are disproportionately exposed to lead paint hazards. Read the full report here.

Key facts at a Glance

Attorney General brown acknowledged the contributions of his Criminal Division, the ENRCU, Investigator Ronald Weinreich Jr., Senior Assistant Attorney General Kory Lemmert, and Assistant Attorney General Eileen Murphy in prosecuting the case. He also expressed gratitude to MDE and State’s Attorney for baltimore City Ivan J. Bates for their collaborative efforts.

Do you think stricter regulations are needed to ensure lead paint inspections are thorough and accurate? What steps can renters take to verify the safety of their living environments?

Disclaimer: This article provides information about a legal case and the dangers of lead poisoning. It is indeed not intended to provide legal or medical advice. Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.

what steps can tenants in Baltimore take to protect themselves from lead exposure if they suspect their rental property has lead hazards?

Baltimore Lead-Paint Inspector Sentenced for Falsifying Certificates, Endangering children’s Health

A former Baltimore lead-paint inspector has been sentenced for intentionally falsifying lead inspection certificates, putting numerous children at notable risk of lead poisoning. The case highlights critical failures in the lead abatement process adn underscores the importance of rigorous oversight in protecting public health, especially in older urban areas like Baltimore where lead paint remains a prevalent hazard.

The Details of the Case

The inspector,whose name has been widely reported by local news outlets,pleaded guilty to multiple counts of falsifying documents related to lead inspections conducted between 2024 and 2025.Investigations revealed the inspector routinely signed off on properties as lead-safe without actually performing thorough inspections, or properly addressing identified lead hazards.This allowed landlords to rent properties to families with young children without ensuring a safe living surroundings.

Specifically, the falsified certificates indicated compliance with Baltimore City’s lead paint regulations, which are designed to protect children under the age of six from the harmful effects of lead exposure. The inspector’s actions directly circumvented these regulations.

The Dangers of Lead Exposure to Children

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern,especially for young children. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause:

* Developmental Delays: Lead can interfere with brain development, leading to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and lower IQ scores.

* Neurological Damage: Exposure can damage the nervous system, impacting coordination and reflexes.

* Health Issues: Lead can cause anemia, kidney damage, and other serious health problems.

* long-Term Effects: The effects of lead poisoning can be irreversible and persist throughout a child’s life.

Baltimore, with its significant stock of older housing built before 1978 (when lead-based paint was banned for residential use), faces a particularly high risk of childhood lead poisoning.

Baltimore City’s Lead Abatement Programme

Baltimore City has a extensive lead abatement program aimed at identifying and mitigating lead hazards in rental properties. Key components of the program include:

1. Risk Assessments: Required for properties built before 1950 and those renting to families with young children.
2. Lead Inspections: Conducted by certified inspectors to identify lead-based paint hazards.
3. Abatement Orders: Issued when lead hazards are found,requiring landlords to remediate the issues.
4. Compliance Monitoring: City officials are responsible for ensuring landlords comply with abatement orders.

this case reveals a breakdown in the compliance monitoring aspect of the program,allowing the inspector’s fraudulent activities to continue undetected for an extended period.

Consequences of the Falsification

The inspector received a significant prison sentence and was ordered to pay restitution to families affected by the fraudulent inspections. The Baltimore city Health Department is now undertaking a comprehensive review of all properties inspected by the individual, and is proactively reaching out to tenants to offer free lead testing for children.

What Tenants Should Do

If you live in a Baltimore rental property built before 1978, and you are concerned about potential lead exposure, take the following steps:

* Request Lead inspection Records: Ask your landlord for copies of the most recent lead inspection reports and abatement orders.

* Get Your Child Tested: Contact your pediatrician to schedule a blood lead level test for children under six. Early detection is crucial.

* Report Concerns: If you suspect lead hazards in your home, report your concerns to the Baltimore City Health Department.

* Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with Baltimore City’s lead paint regulations and tenant rights. Resources are available on the city’s website.

Strengthening Oversight and Preventing Future Fraud

This incident has prompted calls for increased oversight of lead inspectors and stricter penalties for falsifying inspection reports. Potential improvements include:

* Random Audits: Implementing a system of random audits of lead inspection reports.

* Enhanced Inspector Training: Providing more comprehensive training for lead inspectors, emphasizing ethical conduct and proper inspection techniques.

* Whistleblower Protection: Establishing a clear and confidential process for reporting suspected fraud.

* Increased Funding: Allocating additional resources to the Baltimore City Health Department to support lead abatement efforts and compliance monitoring.

The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE) plays no direct role in lead abatement programs, but represents the city’s commitment to resident well-being and quality of life, which is directly impacted by safe housing conditions.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children from the dangers of lead exposure and the need for vigilance in enforcing lead paint regulations.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterbacks Coach Departs for NFL Prospect

Bloomington, IN – The Indiana University Football program is facing another transition at the Quarterbacks Coach position, as Chandler Whitmer has accepted a role with the Tampa Bay buccaneers of the National Football League. The proclamation comes after a remarkably successful season for Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza,and signals a shifting landscape for Coach Curt cignetti’s offensive staff.

A Succession of Changes at Quarterback

This marks the second consecutive year Indiana will need too find a new coach to mentor its quarterbacks. Last season, Cignetti brought in Whitmer following the departure of tino Sunseri, who left to become the offensive coordinator at UCLA. sunseri’s tenure with the Bruins was short-lived, as he was relieved of his duties mid-season amid team struggles.

whitmer’s Impact on Mendoza and the Hoosiers

Chandler Whitmer’s one-year stint with the Hoosiers proved pivotal in the development of Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza achieved a record-breaking season, culminating in significant accolades, including the University’s first-ever Heisman Trophy consideration. He shattered the program’s single-season touchdown record with an notable 41 touchdowns, and passed for 3,535 yards, the second-highest single-season total in indiana history.

Key Stats from Mendoza’s Record-Setting Season

Prior to joining Indiana, whitmer honed his coaching skills in the professional ranks, serving as a pass game specialist with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and as an offensive quality control coach for the Los angeles Chargers. His experience at the professional level undoubtedly contributed to Mendoza’s success and is a key reason the buccaneers sought his expertise.

The Broader Trend of College Coaches Moving to the NFL

The movement of coaches between college and professional football is becoming increasingly common. According to data from the Collegiate Coaches Directory, a growing number of assistant coaches are leveraging their success in developing college players to secure positions in the NFL. This trend reflects the NFL’s increasing emphasis on player development and the value of coaches who can quickly adapt and improve talent. NCAA.com offers further insights into college football trends.

Finding a replacement for Whitmer is now a priority for Cignetti as he aims to build on the momentum generated by Mendoza’s exceptional performance. The search will likely focus on candidates with a proven track record of quarterback development and experience in implementing modern offensive schemes.

Will Indiana be able to quickly find a successor who can maintain the high level of quarterback play established under Whitmer’s guidance? And how will this coaching change impact the Hoosiers’ offensive strategy moving forward?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what qualities you think Indiana should prioritize in their search for a new quarterbacks coach.