Contractor Sentenced for Endangering Lives with Asbestos

News Summary

Lance Slayton, a contractor from Denver, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his negligent handling of asbestos, endangering the health of workers and the community. Hired by an elderly woman for renovation work, Slayton’s disregard for safety protocols led to severe health risks. His actions drew attention from authorities, ultimately resulting in criminal charges and a conviction that highlights the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Contractor Sentenced for Endangering Lives with Asbestos

In a stunning legal development, Lance Slayton, a 55-year-old contractor hailing from the Denver area, has been sentenced to a staggering 10 years in prison for his reckless disregard for safety and well-being. The conviction stems from his mishandling of asbestos, a substance notoriously linked to severe health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Criminal Exploitation of an Elderly Victim

Slayton’s ordeal began when he was hired by an 82-year-old woman to conduct renovation work on a fire-damaged apartment located in Arvada, Colorado. What seemed like a routine renovation spiraled into chaos when testing confirmed the presence of asbestos in the apartment—a finding that would become central to the prosecution’s case. In November 2024, Slayton faced accusations not just of violating the Air Quality Control Act, but also of criminal exploitation of an at-risk elder. A serious offense indeed, reflecting the critical nature of his misconduct.

Negligence and Unsafe Work Practices

The circumstances surrounding this case are particularly alarming. Without any concerns for safety protocols, Slayton removed critical asbestos warning signs before hiring 27-year-old Jimmy Gollihugh Jr. for the demolition work. Unbeknownst to Gollihugh, the job was not only dangerous; it was illegal. The worker arrived at the job site without the proper licenses for asbestos abatement and was seen performing tasks without any personal protective equipment (PPE), putting his life at risk. The situation took a turn for the worse when a contractor’s engineer reported the unsafe working conditions to authorities, prompting intervention.

Government Intervention and Public Safety Concerns

Four months into the demolition, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment swooped in to halt the work. Investigators uncovered asbestos debris casually stored in an open trailer at the worksite—a shocking display of negligence that endangered not only the workers but also the surrounding community. Slayton, who pocketed over $71,000 for the supposed asbestos abatement work, failed completely to perform the necessary safety measures required by law.

Legal Charges Extending Beyond One Case

In a twist to the sordid tale, Slayton’s involvement was not limited to this incident alone. His girlfriend, Christina Beckner, also faced charges related to the case, as she was implicated in handling checks from the elderly victim. Additionally, Slayton previously caused a property management company to incur losses of $173,000 due to substandard and incomplete work—further cementing his reputation for financial malpractice.

Increasing Awareness of Asbestos Dangers

As evidenced by the fines imposed on various companies, including U-Haul, which faced a fine of $231,000 for exposure related to asbestos-laden flooring tiles, the issue of asbestos safety is gaining traction. Notably, JBS Prepared Foods also faced scrutiny for exposing employees to similar hazards. These cases highlight the critical need for stringent health and safety measures, especially in buildings constructed prior to the 1980s, where legacy asbestos products remain a hidden threat.

Future Restitution Hearing

As Slayton serves his sentence, a hearing is scheduled to determine the amount of restitution he will owe, with prosecutors seeking $85,000. The legal ramifications of his actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with asbestos and the importance of safeguarding public health. For now, this vehemently unsafe contractor is facing the consequences of his actions, marking a significant victory for public safety officials.