Maureen S. Walck, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Violation, New York 2014

A Buffalo, N.Y. realtor has pleaded guilty to violating lead-based paint disclosure rules, putting a family's child at risk of lead poisoning.

Maureen S. Walck, 72, of Lockport, NY, pleaded guilty to failure to provide lead paint hazard warning notice on January 25, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango stated that Walck, a real estate broker with RealtyUSA, was aware of the lead-based paint hazards at a residence in Lockport when she sold it to a second prospective buyer on April 11, 2014.

However, unlike the rider with the first prospective buyers, Walck indicated that the seller had no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards at the residence and that there were no records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards for the residence.

In September 2015, the new owners learned that their child was diagnosed with lead poisoning.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2017, at 10 a.m. before Magistrate Judge McCarthy.

The plea is the result of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Tyler Amon, and Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Donna L. Neves.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/realtor-pleads-guilty-violating-lead-based-paint-disclosure-rules