Dover, NH – Landlord Linda Crevier was sentenced in March 2014 after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from her failure to disclose known lead-based paint hazards to tenants in multiple New Hampshire properties. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of fraudulent documentation and a disregard for the health and safety of families, particularly those with young children.
Crevier owned several multi-family rental units in Dover, Farmington, and Milton, New Hampshire – all constructed before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use. An EPA inspection in June 2011 triggered the investigation, revealing discrepancies between the lead paint hazard disclosure forms Crevier provided and statements made by her tenants. The forms, supposedly covering leases signed between April 2009 and April 2011, indicated tenants had been informed of potential lead paint dangers.
However, investigators quickly discovered that many tenants *had never received* the required disclosures. Several tenants even alleged that the initials on the forms had been forged, suggesting Crevier knowingly falsified documents to avoid the responsibilities mandated by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Farmington property was of particular concern, having undergone state-ordered lead paint abatement while under Crevier’s ownership, yet disclosures were still falsely marked as having been provided *before* the remediation.
The EPA’s enforcement action highlighted the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, especially for children. Lead paint, even in deteriorated condition, can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other health problems. Failure to properly disclose known hazards prevents tenants from taking necessary precautions to protect their families.
Penalties and Resolution
On November 21, 2013, Crevier entered a guilty plea to violating the Toxic Substances Control Act. The sentencing, handed down on March 5, 2014, included a $1,000 fine, a three-year probationary period, and a requirement to publish a public apology in a local news outlet. The relatively light sentence has drawn some criticism from tenant advocacy groups, who argue that it doesn’t fully reflect the severity of the deception and potential harm caused by Crevier’s actions.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Linda Crevier
- Location: Dover, Farmington, and Milton, NH
- Statutes Violated: 15 USC 2615 (b) – Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- Dates of Offense: April 2009 – June 2011
- Penalty: $1,000 fine, 3 years probation, public apology
- Details: Falsified lead paint hazard disclosure forms for tenants in pre-1978 rental properties, despite known hazards and prior abatement efforts.
The case serves as a stark reminder for landlords of their legal obligations under TSCA and the importance of honest and transparent communication with tenants regarding potential environmental hazards. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement of lead paint regulations to safeguard public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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