Dennis Morgan, Lead Hazard Violation, PA 2022

SUNBURY, PA – A Pennsylvania landlord has been sentenced for failing to adequately address and disclose lead paint hazards in a rental property, putting a young child at risk of serious health consequences. Dennis Morgan of Sunbury was penalized for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act, highlighting ongoing concerns about lead poisoning risks in older housing stock.

According to court documents, Morgan owned a property where a tenant resided with a child. Between August 2017 and November 2018, Morgan neglected to provide the legally required lead paint hazard warning notice within the lease agreement. Crucially, he also failed to *retain* a lease containing the necessary lead notification information – a critical component of federal regulations designed to protect tenants, particularly children, from lead exposure.

The case came to light after authorities conducted testing on the child living at the property. Results revealed elevated blood levels of lead, confirming exposure to the dangerous substance. Lead poisoning can cause severe developmental delays, learning disabilities, and long-term health problems, particularly in young children whose brains and nervous systems are still developing.

Federal prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of Morgan’s negligence, arguing that his failure to comply with lead disclosure laws directly endangered the health of his tenant’s child. The Toxic Substances Control Act, specifically 15 U.S.C. 2615(b), mandates that landlords provide tenants with information about known lead-based paint hazards and the steps taken to address them. This includes a detailed warning notice and a copy of the EPA pamphlet, “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.”

On March 31, 2022, Morgan was sentenced in federal court. He received a $2,000 fine and a one-year term of probation. While the sentence may seem lenient to some, it serves as a legal consequence for failing to comply with federal regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which brought the case, routinely pursues enforcement actions against landlords who violate lead disclosure laws, aiming to deter future violations and protect vulnerable populations.

This case underscores the importance of landlords adhering to lead paint regulations, especially in older homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint was commonly used. The EPA offers resources and guidance to landlords on how to identify and address lead hazards, and to ensure they are in full compliance with the law. Failure to do so can result in both criminal penalties and, more importantly, lasting harm to tenants.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Dennis Morgan
• Location: Sunbury, Pennsylvania
• Year: 2022
• Statutes Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) – Toxic Substances Control Act
• Violation: Failure to provide lead paint hazard warning notice and retain a lease containing the required lead notification information.
• Impact: A child residing in the property tested positive for elevated blood lead levels.
• Penalty: $2,000 fine and one year of probation.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on developments regarding environmental crime and public health.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

White Collar Crime

De Leon Lucas, Wire Fraud, New York 2009

Jan 15, 2009

White Collar Crime

Passarelli Opicci, Wire Fraud, Florida 2016

Jan 15, 2016

White Collar Crime

Steven Scott Fernandes, Wire Fraud, Nevada 2005

Jan 15, 2005

White Collar Crime

Raul Barajas-Jimenez, Money Laundering, Nevada 2001

Jan 15, 2001