Environmental Protection Bureau Charges Lakes Region Man with Asbestos Related Felony Offenses

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Environmental Services Commissioner Robert R. Scott announce that Bradley Leighton has been indicted on five class B felony offenses for alleged violations of New Hampshire's Asbestos Management and Control Act.

The indictment alleges that Leighton commenced demolishing a home in Meredith without providing proper notice to the town or state. The home allegedly contained asbestos, and Leighton is accused of failing to comply with New Hampshire regulations requiring inspection, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials prior to demolition.

According to the indictment, Leighton, who buys and redevelops property in the Lakes Region but was not a licensed asbestos removal contractor, allegedly failed to properly remove the asbestos material at the Meredith home, to wet and seal the asbestos-containing material after removal, and to properly clean the work site. The indictment further alleges that Leighton was the owner and operator of the site and that he had another unidentified individual working with him while the alleged work was performed.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is commonly found in heating system insulation, vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring, roofing paper and shingles, cement siding shingles, and other building products. When asbestos is disturbed, it can break down into microscopic fibers that may become airborne. Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers has been determined to cause adverse health effects such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Mr. Leighton is scheduled for arraignment in Belknap County Superior Court on October 8 at 8:30 a.m. The charges and allegations are accusations, and Mr. Leighton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Department of Environmental Services - Air Resources Division, and the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Attorney General's Office.