RI Children Suffer Lead Poisoning, 5 Landlords Facing Lawsuits

NEWPORT, RI — Attorney General Peter Neronha's office filed lawsuits against five landlords after five children living in the apartments suffered lead poisoning.

According to the complaints, landlords Kathleen Decosta, Francisco Pires, Fatima C. Araujo, Hoa Thi Trinh, and Dionicia Gonzalez failed to address significant lead hazards identified by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

"Landlords who prioritize profits over the health of children and the risk of lead poisoning will find themselves facing a strong response from our office," Neronha said in a statement. "The allegations against the defendants here, and against those in other cases we have brought, are that a landlord was notified multiple times that there is a lead hazard on their property, that a child living there was lead poisoned, and that they did nothing about it. These circumstances are unacceptable, the health consequences are serious, and strong action by this Office is warranted."

Under state law, RIDOH property inspectors give landlords numerous opportunities to correct lead hazard violations before the Attorney General's Office gets involved.

According to the complaint, violations occurred at the following properties:

Bull Street, Newport

Decosta owns a three-unit, multi-family home in Newport. Following the lead poisoning of a child living in one of the apartment units, a RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in multiple locations inside and outside the building, state officials said. Authorities said Rivera failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

Lincoln Avenue, Central Falls

Pires owns a multi-family home in Central Falls. According to the complaint, the building was inspected after a child suffered lead poisoning. A RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in and outside the home, and the landlords failed to correct the issues, despite getting two chances, the complaint said.

Chalkstone Avenue, Providence

Araujo owns a two-unit, multi-family home in Providence. Following the lead poisoning of a child, RIDOH inspected the apartment and found several lead hazards inside and outside the building, state officials said. Authorities said Araujo failed to remediate the hazards following two 30-day notices of violation issued by RIDOH.

Curtis Street, Providence

Trinh owns a three-unit multi-family home in Providence. According to the complaint, the building was inspected after a child suffered lead poisoning. A RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in and outside the home, and the landlords failed to correct the issues, despite getting two chances, the complaint said.

Rosedale Street, Providence

Gonzalez owns a two-family home in Providence. According to the complaint, the building was inspected after a child suffered lead poisoning. A RIDOH inspection revealed lead hazards in and outside the home, and the landlords failed to correct the issues, despite getting two chances, the complaint said.

Neronha in the lawsuits said he's seeking a court order to halt further harmful conduct, remediate the lead hazards and provide adequate alternative housing while the lead contamination is addressed. Neronha is also seeking fines of up to $5,000 for everyday violations continue.

"Safe and healthy housing is a key environmental determinant of health," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy. "Lead screenings, referrals for case management, and the identification of lead hazards in homes are all part of a comprehensive approach to minimizing or eliminating lead exposures for children. In collaboration with the Rhode Island Attorney General and other partners statewide, we are working toward our goal of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and thrive."

More on Lead Violations In Rhode Island

• 3 RI Landlords Facing Lawsuits After 2 Children Suffer Lead Poisoning
• RI Attorney General Takes More Action Against Lead Violations
• Rhode Island Landlords Face Consequences For Lead Violations
• 4 Providence Landlords Facing Lawsuit For Lead Violations.