Contractor Sentenced for Asbestos Hazard Endangering Elderly Woman

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News Summary

Contractor Lance Slayton faces 10 years in prison for endangering an elderly woman with asbestos hazards during renovation work.

Contractor Sentenced for Asbestos Hazard Endangering Elderly Woman

In a shocking turn of events, contractor Lance Slayton has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following his conviction on multiple charges, including the criminal exploitation of an at-risk elder and serious violations of the Air Quality Control Act. The Jefferson County District Court handed down the sentence after determining that Slayton had placed both an elderly woman and her neighbors at grave risk while overseeing renovation work in Arvada, Colorado.

Details of the Case

The saga unfolded in April 2022, when a fire broke out in a four-plex unit owned by an 82-year-old woman. Slayton, who operated under the business names Preferred Companies LLC and Colorado Catastrophe Assistance Program, had been hired as the general contractor for renovations on the property. However, what transpired during the renovation process raised alarms from investigators.

Documents revealed that a licensed restoration company had previously conducted tests on the affected unit, uncovering a significant presence of asbestos, which is documented as a known carcinogen. Instead of alerting his subcontractor, Jimmy Gollihugh Jr., about these hazardous conditions, Slayton proceeded with arrangements for demolition work. Gollihugh, who was not licensed for asbestos abatement, was unaware of the impending danger he faced.

Deceptive Actions

Prosecutors brought to light that Slayton engaged in deceitful practices by removing asbestos warning signs from the property right before Gollihugh’s arrival. With the absence of critical safety measures, this negligent act put not only Gollihugh but also neighboring residents at risk for serious health complications. The lack of proper safety protocols in handling such hazardous materials is a blatant disregard for established regulations that have been stringent since the 1970s.

It wasn’t long before unsafe conditions became apparent. An engineer representing the four-plex owner’s insurance company observed the dangerous environment at the job site and contacted authorities, prompting an immediate intervention by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Their prompt action on September 13, 2022, effectively halted Gollihugh’s work after health risks came to light.

Legal Consequences for Slayton

The court also levied additional charges against Slayton for intentionally causing a hazardous substance incident and knowingly endangering neighbors, each carrying up to four years of imprisonment. However, the sentences were permitted to run concurrently, enforcing a considerable punishable outcome for his reckless behavior. As a contractor, Slayton charged the elderly owner over $71,000 for services that he ultimately failed to complete.

Restitution and Further Developments

A restitution hearing has been set for April 10, where the Colorado Attorney General’s Office is pursuing an impressive $85,000 for the victim. In addition, Slayton gained notoriety for a similar case prior to this one, managing a $173,000 payout due to unsatisfactory work on a shopping center.

Adding to this troubling tale, Christina Beckner, Slayton’s girlfriend, has also been charged with theft from an at-risk adult and facilitating a hazardous materials incident during financial transactions connected to the victim. Beckner is scheduled for sentencing in March 2025.

As for Gollihugh, the unlicensed subcontractor involved in this heartbreaking debacle, he is currently out of state, but faces both legal and reputational repercussions in the aftermath of this case.

Significance of the Case

This case has garnered significant attention for highlighting critical issues surrounding contractor accountability and the paramount importance of public safety, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations. Legal experts underscore the implications of Slayton’s actions, emphasizing that when profit is prioritized over safety, it can lead to devastating consequences for individuals and communities alike.