SCRANTON, PA — John Gallagher, a 73-year-old man from Crowley, Texas, was sentenced to two years of probation by United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani on December 14, 2023. Gallagher’s sentence followed his convictions for committing mail fraud.
Gallagher, previously a resident of Pennsylvania, owned and operated J. Douglas Environmental Systems, a company specializing in fumigation and pest control. It was discovered that Gallagher altered his and his employees’ expired pesticide applicator certifications, an expired business license, and forged insurance policy certificates. These documents were associated with his work as a licensed applicator for pesticides restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies.
The falsified documents were provided to a pesticide supplier in Virginia, various clients in Pennsylvania and New York, and those clients’ auditors. Consequently, Gallagher’s business secured contracts worth over $888,000 through the use of these falsified documents.
In sentencing Gallagher, Judge Mariani took into consideration Gallagher’s age and significant health complications. Despite this, the severity of Gallagher’s actions was emphasized by officials.
Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Allison Landsman of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Pennsylvania, commented on the case, stating, “The defendant’s decision to illegally portray himself as a trained and licensed commercial pesticide applicator, and his failure to properly inform his customers of the health hazards of a restricted use pesticide, resulted in presenting inexcusable health risks to the public.”
The EPA remains committed to protecting public health and holding individuals accountable for such violations, Landsman added.
The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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