Former NASCAR driver indicted for alleged asbestos contamination in Meredith

A former NASCAR driver married to a member of the Meredith Selectboard was indicted last month for improper removal of asbestos, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella. 

Formella and Department of Environmental Services Commission Robert Scott said in a media release Wednesday that Bradley Leighton, husband of Meredith Selectboard member Lynn Leighton, was indicted on five felonies related to alleged violations of the state’s Asbestos Management and Control Act. 

Leighton is accused of starting demolition on a home in Meredith without providing proper notice to town or state authorities. The home allegedly contained asbestos, and Leighton is accused of failing to comply with regulations requiring inspection, removal and disposal of materials containing the hazardous silicate minerals prior to demolition. 

According to state law, someone is guilty of the felony if they knowingly and willfully: violate the provisions of the RSA or any rule adopted under it; violate any term or condition of a license, certificate or order issued under the same; or make or certify a material false statement relative to any document or information required under the law. 

If found guilty, Leighton could, in addition to prison, receive a fine of up to $25,000, with each day in violation considered a separate offense. 

According to the indictment, handed down Sept. 19, Leighton buys and sells properties in the Lakes Region — he’s got seven in Meredith, according to a property database, only one co-owned by Lynn Leighton — but he’s not a licensed asbestos removal contractor. It’s not clear which property he’s accused of demolishing.

Michael Garrity, director of communications at the state Department of Justice, said Friday these are direct indictments, referred to his office by state DES staff after local leaders alerted their office. 

Lynn Leighton did not immediately return requests for comment. Town Manager Judie Milner declined to comment Friday afternoon.

Bradley Leighton is accused of failing to properly remove the asbestos material in the Meredith home, to wet and seal the asbestos-containing material after removing it, and of failing to properly clean the work site. He’s also accused of being the owner and operator of the site, and he had another unnamed individual assisting him. 

Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber — silicate — commonly present in heating system insulation, vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring, roofing paper and shingles, and other building products, particularly in older structures, as its use is banned today in building construction.

When disturbed, asbestos can break down into microscopic fibers that may become airborne. Its inhalation can cause adverse health effects like lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. 

Leighton is scheduled for arraignment in Belknap County Superior Court at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 The charges leveled against him are merely accusations and he’s presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty. 

According to a New Hampshire court system database, there’s not yet been counsel assigned to Leighton, and he has not retained any. 

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