News Summary
Rodney Bryan Barkley, owner of Green Environmental, has pleaded guilty to four counts of submitting false lead inspection reports, raising serious concerns about housing safety in Maryland. This plea only addresses a portion of the 31 counts against him, with the Maryland Department of the Environment invalidating around 1,400 lead certificates issued by his company. At least three children have tested positive for elevated lead levels in homes inspected by Barkley, underscoring the urgent health risks of faulty certifications. The state investigation is ongoing, with potential penalties reaching nearly $150 million.
Baltimore – Rodney Bryan Barkley, the owner of Green Environmental, has pleaded guilty to four counts of submitting false lead inspection reports in a case that has raised significant concerns about housing safety in Maryland. The guilty plea was made in Baltimore City Circuit Court, relating to only a portion of the 31 counts brought against him by the Maryland Attorney General’s office.
Each count of submitting altered lead inspection reports could result in up to two years in prison and a $50,000 fine. In addition to the lead inspection charges, Barkley also pleaded guilty to one count of operating a radiation machine without a license. However, he did not plead guilty to charges asserting he knowingly altered facts in his reports.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) had previously invalidated approximately 1,400 lead inspection certificates issued by Green Environmental, following an investigation that began in March 2024. The investigation discovered that Green Environmental was responsible for around 100 erroneous lead-free certificates, with the attorney general’s office escalating the case by filing criminal charges against Barkley in July.
Worryingly, at least three children have tested positive for elevated lead levels at properties inspected by Barkley’s business, highlighting the serious health implications related to faulty lead certifications.
The state investigation revealed that many of the lead abatement certificates included falsified lab reports, altered dates and addresses, as well as removed lead concentration data. Barkley’s inspections spanned the entire state of Maryland, affecting homes from Bethesda to Middle River and Hagerstown to Ocean City. Between 2022 and 2024, Barkley conducted around 131 lead-free inspections.
Lead certifications are crucial, as homes built before 1978 must be reassessed for lead risk whenever ownership changes or tenants move in. Homes certified as lead-free do not require further inspection, which makes the integrity of these certifications vital for protecting public health.
The civil case against Green Environmental is ongoing, with potential penalties that could amount to nearly $150 million. Barkley’s sentencing hearing is set for February 3, 2026, where he will face the consequences of his actions.
Historically, childhood lead poisoning has been a significant health issue in Baltimore, affecting thousands of children annually. According to the Abell Foundation’s 2022 report, Baltimore has about 85,000 housing units that may still contain dangerous levels of lead, necessitating strict adherence to environmental laws that aim to minimize lead exposure and poisoning.
Maryland’s Lead Risk Reduction in Housing Act was established in 1994 to address the risks associated with lead poisoning while balancing the need for affordable housing. The MDE has criticized the actions of faulty inspectors like Barkley, stressing the health risks related to lead exposure and urging the public to remain vigilant.
Parents residing in affected properties are advised to contact their pediatricians for lead testing, reinforcing the need for public awareness regarding lead safety in homes.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore
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- Google Search: lead paint inspection Maryland
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- Wikipedia: Lead poisoning
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