Baltimore, MD – Cephus Moses Murrell, 69, of Catonsville, Maryland, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison followed by six months of home detention and a year of supervised release on June 6, 2012, after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from repeated lead paint violations in his Baltimore rental properties. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maryland state agencies, highlights a pattern of negligence and disregard for tenant safety, particularly concerning children exposed to the dangerous toxin.
Murrell, a landlord in Baltimore since 1974, owns and manages approximately 175 rental units, many of which were built before 1978 – the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Baltimore City Health Department had repeatedly cited Murrell and his company, C. Murrell Business Consultants, Inc., for lead paint violations dating back years. These citations often followed reports of children residing in Murrell’s properties exhibiting elevated blood lead levels (EBLs). Despite receiving over 20 Notices of Violation and entering into consent decrees with state and city agencies, Murrell continued to violate federal and state regulations.
The investigation revealed multiple instances of illegal and unsafe lead abatement practices. On September 15, 2010, Murrell authorized lead paint abatement work at a Frederick Avenue apartment while tenants, including children, were present – a direct violation of safety protocols designed to prevent lead exposure. Furthermore, Murrell falsely informed the MDE that a qualified supervisor would be on-site during abatement work on August 31, 2010, when, in reality, no supervisor was present. This pattern of misrepresentation extended to other projects as well, demonstrating a deliberate attempt to circumvent regulations.
Beyond improper abatement procedures, Murrell was found to have systematically failed to disclose known lead-based paint hazards to prospective tenants. He neglected to provide the required EPA-approved information pamphlet, failed to disclose any records of existing lead hazards, and omitted the mandatory Lead Warning Statement from lease agreements. This deliberate withholding of information left tenants unaware of the potential dangers lurking within their homes, putting them and their families at risk.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Cephus Moses Murrell
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Charges: Violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Clean Air Act.
- Statutes Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2682(b), 15 U.S.C. 2682(a), 15 U.S.C. 2688
- Penalties: One year and one day imprisonment, six months home detention, one year supervised release.
- Pattern of Violations: Repeated citations from MDE and Baltimore City Health Department, failure to disclose lead hazards, unsafe abatement practices.
“Cephus Murrell placed Baltimore children at risk of permanent injuries by violating federal law and ignoring repeated orders to comply with lead paint regulations,” stated U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “It is unacceptable in 2012 for pregnant women and children to be exposed to lead paint in violation of the law.” The EPA and MDE emphasized the severity of lead poisoning and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from its devastating effects. This case serves as a stark reminder to landlords and property owners of their legal and ethical obligation to ensure safe and healthy living conditions for their tenants.
The prosecution of Murrell underscores the commitment of federal and state agencies to enforce environmental regulations and hold accountable those who prioritize profit over public health. The long history of violations, combined with the deliberate misrepresentation of safety measures, ultimately led to a significant sentence, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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