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Illinois Woman Indicted for Falsifying Lead Hazard Assessment

Release Date: 10/09/2003
Contact Information:


Luke C. Hester 202-564-7818 / hester.luke@ epa.gov

(10/09/03) Carol D. Graves of Bartonville, Ill., former president of Graves Environmental Safety Inc., was indicted on Sept. 26 for allegedly falsifying her lead hazard assessment conducted at the U.S. Army’s installation in Rock Island, Ill. Graves allegedly created and submitted letters to the Army indicating that the housing units were free of lead hazards, although 12 of the units indicated the presence of lead in amounts that substantially exceeded EPA’s threshold levels for lead in dust. Exposure to sufficient levels of lead in dust can cause neurological disorders and even death, especially in young children. If convicted, Graves faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (Chicago), the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rock Island. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.