Enforcement

Summary of Criminal Prosecutions

Search Criminal Prosecution | Back to Results

FISCAL YEAR: 2020
1. PRINCIPAL DEFENDANT: Aaron Wise
M.D.  Pennsylvania  4:19-CR-000196

In October 2014, Wise developed a website that purported to offer EPA-accredited certification program for lead-based paint activities, through a company called Professional and Environmental Training Association (PandETA.com). Wise previously worked for a company that provided environmental training, including lead and mold abatement certification. Wise did not possess EPA-accreditation to offer certification on his own. Customers soon began complaining about paying for various certifications via the website, but not receiving training.

In email correspondence and phone conversations with EPA, Aaron Wise represented himself to be “John McCann,” the director of operations for PandETA.com. He asserted that EPA accredited the company for lead paint certification training.



January 24, 2020
Aaron Wise was sentenced to complete a two-year term of probation, to include two months’ home detention. Wise also will pay a total of $1,596 in restitution to four victims. Wise previously pleaded guilty to making false statements to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding his qualifications to conduct lead inspector training courses for the general public (18 U.S.C. § 1001).
CITATION: 18 U.S.C. 1001
STATUTE:
  • Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code (TITLE 18)

Top of page