Lockport, NY – A New York real estate broker has been sentenced for concealing known lead-based paint hazards in a home sale, ultimately leading to a child’s lead poisoning. Maureen Walck, formerly with RealtyUSA, was sentenced on January 9, 2018, after pleading guilty to violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
According to court documents, Walck secured an exclusive contract to sell a residence in Lockport, New York, in January 2014. The homeowner had already disclosed the presence of lead-based paint hazards and provided Walck with inspection reports detailing those risks. However, when presenting the property to a second potential buyer, Walck falsely claimed the seller had no knowledge of lead-based paint and omitted the existing inspection reports.
This deception proved successful, and the second prospective buyers purchased the property, closing the deal on April 11, 2014. Tragically, in September 2015, the new homeowners discovered their child had been diagnosed with lead poisoning. The investigation that followed revealed Walck’s deliberate misrepresentation of the property’s condition.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, led by Special Agent-In-Charge Tyler Amon, and 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango prosecuted the case, successfully demonstrating Walck’s intentional violation of federal law.
Legal Ramifications
Walck was sentenced to time served, a $1,000 fine, and ordered to pay $53,326.07 in restitution to the victims – the family impacted by the lead poisoning. The charges stemmed from violations of 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) and 15 U.S.C. 2689, provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act designed to protect the public from the dangers of lead-based paint.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Maureen Walck
- Location: Lockport, New York
- Crime: Concealing known lead-based paint hazards during a home sale.
- Victim: A child diagnosed with lead poisoning.
- Statutes Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2615(b), 15 U.S.C. 2689 (Toxic Substances Control Act)
- Penalty: Time served, $1,000 fine, $53,326.07 restitution.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the serious health risks associated with lead poisoning and the legal consequences of failing to disclose known hazards in real estate transactions.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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