A Jefferson County district court jury has found Lance Slayton guilty of defrauding an elderly woman and exposing a neighborhood to asbestos. This was announced by Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Slayton, indicted by the statewide grand jury in June 2023, faced charges including Criminal Exploitation of an At-Risk Person, Theft of an At-Risk Person, Intentionally Causing and Contributing to a Hazardous Substance Incident, and two violations of the Air Quality Control Act related to asbestos exposure.
Attorney General Weiser stated, "This case highlights the grave consequences of putting profit over safety and the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens." He added that Slayton deceived an elderly woman, stole tens of thousands from her, and exposed workers and the public to asbestos contamination. The conviction is seen as reinforcing efforts to protect public health and older Coloradans from scams.
The charges arose from incidents at a fourplex rental property in Arvada owned by an 82-year-old woman. Evidence presented at trial showed that between May and September 2022, Slayton used his companies Preferred Companies LLC and Colorado Catastrophe Assistance Program for asbestos abatement and restoration work on a fire-damaged unit. He employed unlicensed laborers who mishandled hazardous materials. Despite receiving over $70,000 for his services, Slayton left the property unsafe and noncompliant with state regulations.
Inspections by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment revealed serious violations at the site, including improper removal and disposal of asbestos materials. These failures endangered both workers and nearby residents due to potential exposure to asbestos.
Slayton is currently held without bond in Jefferson County jail pending sentencing on December 20. His case number is 2023CR1588.
The Special Prosecutions Unit within the Colorado Department of Law’s Criminal Justice Section prosecuted this case.
Another defendant involved, Christina Becker, is set for a court appearance on December 9 with case number 2023CR1589.
It should be noted that a grand jury indictment is merely an accusation under Colorado law; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.