Colorado contractor found guilty of defrauding elderly woman, exposing public to asbestos

Colorado contractor found guilty of defrauding elderly woman, exposing public to asbestos

Nov. 22, 2024 (DENVER) - A Jefferson County district court jury yesterday found Lance Slayton guilty of defrauding an elderly woman and exposing a neighborhood to hazardous asbestos materials, Attorney General Phil Weiser announced today.

Slayton, who was indicted by the statewide grand jury in June 2023, was found guilty of Criminal Exploitation of an At- Risk Person (F3), Theft of an At-Risk Person (F3), Intentionally Causing and Contributing to a Hazardous Substance Incident (F4), and two violations of the Air Quality Control Act, including knowingly releasing a hazardous air pollutant (asbestos) into ambient air with knowledge of placing another person in imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death.

"This case highlights the grave consequences of putting profit over safety and the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens," said Attorney General Weiser. "A jury found that Slayton deceived an elderly woman, stole tens of thousands of dollars from her, and exposed workers and the public to dangerous asbestos contamination. This conviction reinforces our commitment to safeguard public health, protect older Coloradans from scams, and hold fraudulent contractors accountable."

The case stems from Slayton's criminal conduct at a fourplex rental property in Arvada owned by an 82-year-old woman. At trial, prosecutors presented evidence that between May and September 2022, Slayton, operating through his companies Preferred Companies LLC and Colorado Catastrophe Assistance Program, was hired to abate asbestos and restore a fire-damaged unit at the property. He hired unlicensed laborers and intentionally spilled and dumped a hazardous substance. Despite being paid over $70,000 for the work, Slayton failed to complete the project, leaving the property unsafe and noncompliant with state environmental regulations.

Inspections by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment uncovered serious public health violations at the worksite, including improper removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials and failure to prevent hazardous emissions. Inspectors noted that these events placed not only the workers but also nearby residents in danger of exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to several life-threatening diseases.

Slayton is being held without bond in the Jefferson County jail and is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 20. His case number is 2023CR1588.

The Special Prosecutions Unit in the Colorado Department of Law's Criminal Justice Section prosecuted the case.

Another defendant in the case, Christina Becker, is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 9. Her case number is 2023CR1589.

A grand jury indictment is a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado laws. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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