Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Seattle energy consultant accused of forgery in connection with a major Oregon solar power project is now saying his brother is to blame for the false documents.
Martin Shain was the lead consultant on Oregon’s $27 million “Solar by Degree” project. Prosecutors say he created a fake invoice from a fictional subcontractor to help secure nearly $12 million in tax credits from the Oregon Department of Energy.
A Marion County grand jury indicted Shain on criminal forgery charges in August, and the Justice Department then sued him for the return of the $11.8 million in tax credits.
In a sworn statement filed Monday, Shain’s brother, Phil Shain, claims that he forged the papers in December 2011 without his brother’s knowledge, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
In the filing, Phil Shain describes himself as a disabled, unemployed recovering alcoholic who uses opioids and medical marijuana. He said he forged the documents because he was worried his brother would lose his business if the solar project was cancelled.
“I am shocked and devastated to learn that my actions have caused such problems for my brother,” Phil Shain said in the filing. “I never intended to hurt him or anyone. I was only trying to help.”
Martin Shain has previously acknowledged that the documents are forgeries, but maintained that he didn’t create them.
Kristina Edmunson, a spokeswoman for the Justice Department, declined to comment Tuesday on Phil Shain’s claims. Martin Shain’s attorney, Jim McDermott, was unavailable to comment, and Phil Shain did not return a call for comment.
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