(WNY News Now) – A 58-year-old Buffalo man has been sentenced to five years’ probation, including eight months of home confinement, for making false statements regarding lead hazards in 23 properties sold through Vin7, LLC. The false claims violated the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, leading to community service and probation.
Buffalo – Buffalo resident Angel Elliot Dalfin, 58, has been sentenced to five years’ probation, with eight months of home confinement and electronic monitoring, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The sentencing follows Dalfin’s conviction for making a false document in connection with the sale of 23 properties in the City of Buffalo, all constructed before 1978.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, handling the case, revealed that Dalfin, operating through Vin7, LLC, executed Lead-Based Paint Rider and Disclosure forms as part of the property sale process. Shockingly, Dalfin knowingly provided false information, stating that the lead-based paint hazards in these properties were unknown, and he possessed no records related to such hazards. These fraudulent statements were critical for Dalfin’s compliance with the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, a statute overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The investigation uncovered that, on average, it would have cost buyers $5,000 per property to address and stabilize the lead-based paint hazards present. Dalfin’s deception not only violated federal regulations but also imposed potential health risks on unsuspecting buyers, as lead exposure can cause severe health issues, particularly in young children.
In response to these offenses, Dalfin has been ordered to serve 600 hours of community service at Habitat for Humanity within the first three years of his probation. This sentence aims to both redress the harm caused by his actions and contribute positively to the community.
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, implemented to safeguard residents from lead exposure, places a legal obligation on property sellers to provide accurate information about potential lead hazards.
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