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TOMORROW: Expected Sentencing of Donald M. Patterson

Release Date: 02/07/2011
Contact Information: Phillippa Cannon, 312-353-6218, cannon.phillippa@epa.gov

CONTACT:
Phillippa Cannon
Cannon.phillippa@epa.gov
312-353-6218


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 11-OPA012
February 7, 2011


TOMORROW: Expected Sentencing of Donald M. Patterson

WASHINGTON – On February 8, 2011, a judge in Michigan is expected to hold a sentencing hearing for Donald M. Patterson, former lead paint inspector for the City of Detroit. Patterson was indicted in May 2010 on charges that he solicited bribes, engaged in wire fraud, and made false statements. His sentencing is expected to begin at 2:30pm.

The charges stated that Patterson used his position to obtain cash from home owners or renters, in exchange for fraudulent lead abatement training or falsely certifying that the homes were free of lead paint hazards, including a home where a child had been hospitalized for lead poisoning. On several occasions, Patterson used threats of criminal prosecution, and even child neglect charges, to convince the tenants and landlords to pay these bribes and conceal the matter from state regulators. He pled guilty in July 2010 to one count of wire fraud.

Sentencing details:

WHAT: Sentencing of Donald M. Patterson

WHEN: 2:30pm, Tuesday, February 8, 2011

WHERE: United States District Court House, Eastern District of Michigan, Detroit


More information on EPA’s criminal enforcement program: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/criminal/index.html