Contractor Sentenced for Exploiting Elderly and Asbestos Safety Violations

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News Summary

Lance Slayton sentenced to 10 years for exploiting an elderly woman and violating asbestos safety regulations in Colorado.

Contractor Sentenced for Exploiting Elderly and Asbestos Safety Violations

In a shocking turn of events, 55-year-old contractor Lance Slayton has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple felonies, including the exploitation of an at-risk elder and causing a hazardous substance incident. The sentencing, which took place last Friday, exposed dark undercurrents of fraud and negligence within the contracting industry.

Details of the Crimes

Slayton’s conviction stemmed from his work in 2022 at a fire-damaged rental property located in Arvada, Colorado, owned by an 82-year-old woman. He was hired and paid over $70,000 to restore the rental unit, as well as to perform necessary asbestos abatement. Asbestos, a well-documented carcinogen, requires safe removal by licensed professionals to prevent catastrophic health risks.

However, it was uncovered that Slayton engaged in gross misconduct during the job. He employed unlicensed laborers, intentionally mishandled the removal of asbestos, and subsequently left the property in a state that posed serious dangers to workers and nearby residents. Regulations clearly stipulate that only certified specialists can handle such hazardous materials, yet Slayton blatantly ignored these laws.

Investigation Leads to Discovery

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment spearheaded an investigation after a complaint surfaced regarding unsafe working conditions in September 2022. An engineer from the associated insurance company flagged the poor practices that not only endangered the elderly woman but also potentially jeopardized public safety.

Furthermore, Slayton’s operations did not work in isolation. His associate, Jimmy Gollihugh Jr., was hired to conduct demolition work without any caution concerning the inherent dangers tied to asbestos exposure. This oversight demonstrates a disturbing lack of regard for both workers’ safety and regulatory requirements.

Sentencing and Financial Repercussions

The consequences for Slayton were severe. For his first two felony counts, he faces a 10-year prison term each, followed by a four-year sentence for the hazardous substance charge. These sentences will be served concurrently, resulting in a decade-long prison stay for his unlawful actions. A hearing scheduled for April 10 aims to determine the amount of monetary restitution Slayton is obliged to pay, with prosecutors eyeing a total of $85,000.

Complicity and Broader Implications

The fallout does not end with Slayton. His girlfriend Christina Beckner was arrested and charged for her role in the scheme, later pleading guilty to theft and contributing to a hazardous materials incident. Their partnership in this fraudulent operation raises serious questions about accountability in the contracting industry, especially when it revolves around vulnerable populations like the elderly.

A Broader Warning on Asbestos Safety

Asbestos continues to be a highly regulated material due to its associated health risks, including various forms of cancer. The incident involving Slayton serves as a sobering reminder of the potential perils involved when contractors operate outside legal bounds. Not only does this impact the immediate victims of fraud, but it also endangers public health and safety.

The case acts as a vital call to action, urging heightened scrutiny within the contracting sector and reinforcing the necessity of employing licensed professionals for hazardous material management. As communities continue to grapple with the implications of such fraud, it reinforces the need for regulatory bodies to remain vigilant and protect the most vulnerable members of society.