Melanie Ann Carlin, Lead Poisoning, Montana 2024
A Helena real estate agent and property manager has been convicted of felony and fined $150,000 for failing to provide lead-based paint disclosures to veterans residing in Fort Harrison rental housing.
Melanie Ann Carlin, 54, of Clancy, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one felony count of knowing endangerment.
Carlin failed to provide lead-based paint disclosures as required from September 2019 until September 2021, placing veterans and their families at Freedom's Path Fort Harrison in imminent danger of death and serious bodily injury.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided over the sentencing. Carlin was sentenced to three years of felony probation and fined $150,000.
The real estate agent's actions resulted in the exposure of veterans and their children to significant levels of lead. The EPA, HUD, and VA worked together to investigate the case.
Mold Wranglers, Inc., a Kalispell-based company that provides hazardous material mitigation services, was also sentenced to two years of probation, a $50,000 fine, and $348,000 in restitution to be paid to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for filing false reports for payment to a federal agency.
The government alleged that Mold Wranglers, Inc. filed false reports claiming an abatement of lead paint was done at Freedom's Path Fort Harrison when it was not.
The case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of veterans and their families.
Defendant: Melanie Ann Carlin
Criminal Charges: One felony count of knowing endangerment
City and State: Helena, Montana
Date: November 2024
Sentence: Three years of felony probation and fined $150,000
Dollar Amounts: $150,000 fine, $348,000 in restitution
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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