Beverly and Randy Hills Charged with Perjury Over Westmoreland Home Sale Involving Water Damage Issues

Cranberry Couple Faces Perjury Allegations in $765,000 Home Sale Dispute

Cranberry, PA – Michael James pierce, 57, and Carrie Ann Pierce, 54, are embroiled in a legal battle and now face criminal accusations of perjury, stemming from the 2020 sale of their former residence in Westmoreland County. The charges allege the couple deliberately misrepresented the condition of the property to buyers.

Details of the Allegations

Westmoreland County Detectives initiated the inquiry following a civil suit brought forth by Allan Brown and Eileen Gardenhire, the purchasers of the home located in Hempfield. The plaintiffs claim they were not informed of existing water damage prior to completing the $765,000 transaction in September 2020. The case centers around assertions that the Pierces knowingly concealed issues related to water intrusion and structural integrity.

according to investigators, the Pierces provided inaccurate details on a seller’s disclosure statement, specifically denying any history of “water leakage, accumulation, dampness or structural problems.” Though, evidence surfaced indicating the couple was aware of these very issues.

Evidence Presented by Investigators

Detective Ray Dupilka’s criminal complaint details documentation purportedly demonstrating the Pierces’ knowledge of the property’s flaws. This includes signed authorizations for a waterproofing contractor to install a basement drainage system in March 2019, along with subsequent complaints about the system’s ineffectiveness and persistent flooding. Furthermore, records show a denied insurance claim filed in July 2019, which cited “creep deformation” of the home’s framing due to inadequate construction as the cause of structural damage.

During a June 24 deposition, both michael and carrie Pierce reportedly denied the existence of these records and their involvement in addressing the water issues. Investigators claim Michael Pierce refuted having utilized a contractor for water infiltration and denied filing the insurance claim. Carrie Pierce similarly maintained that she had no knowledge of the insurance claim and affirmed the accuracy of the original disclosure statement.

Legal Defense and Response

Benjamin J. Steinberg, the attorney representing the Pierces, vehemently denies the charges. He characterizes the criminal accusations as a “weaponization of the criminal courts” and an “ill-advised tactic” employed by the plaintiffs and their counsel to gain an advantage in the ongoing civil litigation. Steinberg asserts his clients will “zealously defend themselves” against what they believe are baseless claims.

Current Status and Next Steps

The Pierces were arraigned before District Judge Chris Flanigan in Greensburg on Tuesday and afterward released on their own recognizance. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 23 before Judge Flanigan. The civil suit accuses the Pierces of fraudulent misrepresentation, violating Pennsylvania’s seller disclosure laws, and engaging in unfair trade practices. Brown and Gardenhire are seeking damages exceeding $75,000 to cover repair costs and diminished property value.

Key Facts at a Glance

Date of Sale	Sale Price	Allegation	Charges Filed
September 2020	$765,000	Concealment of water damage	perjury
March 2019	N/A	Waterproofing contractor hired	N/A
July 2019	N/A	Insurance claim denied	N/A

Did You Know? pennsylvania law requires sellers to disclose known defects regarding a property’s condition, including issues with water damage and structural integrity. Failure to do so can result in legal repercussions.

Pro Tip: Before purchasing a home, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection, including a professional assessment of the foundation and potential water intrusion points.

What steps do you think buyers should take to protect themselves when purchasing a home,especially in regions prone to foundation issues?

How critically importent are seller disclosure statements,and what recourse do buyers have if they discover withheld information after a sale?

Understanding Perjury and Real Estate Fraud

Perjury,the act of intentionally making false statements under oath,is a serious criminal offense with significant legal consequences. In the context of real estate transactions,perjury often arises when sellers attempt to conceal property defects to secure a sale. the ramifications can extend beyond criminal charges to include civil lawsuits and considerable financial penalties.

Real estate fraud, encompassing a wider range of deceptive practices, can also involve misrepresentation of property conditions, inflated appraisals, or undisclosed liens.protecting oneself from such fraud requires due diligence – a complete property inspection, thorough title search, and careful review of all relevant documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Disclosures

• What is a seller’s disclosure statement? A document where the seller details known issues with the property.
• Is a home inspection always necessary? Yes, it’s a crucial step in identifying hidden problems before purchase.
• What happens if a seller fails to disclose a known defect? The buyer may have grounds for a lawsuit seeking damages.
• What is “creep deformation” in a home’s structure? A slow, long-term shifting of the foundation and framing, often due to poor construction or soil conditions.
• Can I be charged with perjury for lying about my home’s condition? Yes, if you knowingly make false statements under oath.
• What legal recourse do buyers have if they discover undisclosed water damage? They can pursue a civil suit for breach of contract and misrepresentation.

Share your thoughts on this story and leave a comment below!

What specific false statements made during depositions led to the perjury charges against Beverly and Randy Hills?

The Allegations: Perjury and Concealed Damage

Beverly and Randy Hills, prominent figures in the Westmoreland County real estate market, are facing serious legal repercussions. They’ve been formally charged with perjury related to the 2021 sale of their home on Willow Creek Drive in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. The core of the case revolves around allegations that the Hills knowingly concealed notable water damage issues from potential buyers.This isn’t simply a case of non-disclosure; the charges specifically center on false statements made under oath during the legal proceedings following the sale.

Timeline of Events: From Sale to Charges

here’s a breakdown of the key events leading to the perjury charges:

1. 2021 Sale: The Hills sold their Westmoreland property. Post-sale, the buyers discovered extensive water damage, including mold and structural issues.
2. Initial Lawsuit: The buyers filed a lawsuit alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and failure to disclose known defects. This lawsuit initiated the finding phase, where sworn depositions were taken.
3. Depositions & Alleged False Statements: During depositions, Beverly and Randy Hills allegedly provided false testimony regarding their knowledge of the water damage. Specifically, they reportedly claimed they were unaware of the extent of the issues.
4. Inquiry & charges: The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s office launched an investigation based on evidence presented during the civil lawsuit. This investigation culminated in the filing of perjury charges against both individuals on September 24, 2025.
5. Potential Penalties: Perjury is a felony offence in Pennsylvania.If convicted, the Hills could face significant prison time and substantial fines.

The Water Damage: Extent and Impact

The reported water damage wasn’t minor.Evidence suggests the issues were long-standing and perhaps impacted the structural integrity of the home. key areas affected included:

* Basement: Significant water intrusion and mold growth were discovered in the basement.

* Foundation: Concerns were raised about potential foundation damage due to prolonged exposure to moisture.

* Hidden Damage: Allegations point to attempts to conceal the damage with cosmetic repairs, such as painting over water stains.

* Health Concerns: Mold exposure can lead to various health problems, adding another layer of concern for the buyers.

Legal Implications of Perjury in Real Estate Transactions

This case highlights the serious legal consequences of dishonesty in real estate transactions. Perjury isn’t just about lying; it’s about intentionally misleading the court and obstructing justice.

* Civil vs. Criminal Liability: While the initial lawsuit was a civil matter, the perjury charges elevate the situation to a criminal level.

* Duty to Disclose: Sellers generally have a legal duty to disclose known material defects to potential buyers. This duty varies by state, but concealing significant issues like water damage is almost universally prohibited.

* Impact on Real estate Contracts: False representations can invalidate real estate contracts, allowing buyers to seek remedies like rescission (canceling the sale) or damages.

* Importance of Home Inspections: This case underscores the critical importance of thorough home inspections. Buyers should always hire qualified inspectors to identify potential problems before finalizing a purchase.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Disclosure Laws

Pennsylvania law requires sellers to complete a Property Disclosure Statement. This form asks specific questions about the property’s condition, including any known water damage or structural issues. Providing false facts on this form can lead to legal repercussions, even without formal perjury charges. Key aspects of Pennsylvania’s disclosure laws include:

* Mandatory Disclosure: Sellers must disclose known material defects.

* Written Statement: Disclosure must be in writing.

* Buyer’s Right to Inspect: Buyers have the right to conduct their own inspections, regardless of the seller’s disclosures.

* Exceptions: Limited exceptions exist, such as sales between family members.

Case Studies: similar Real Estate Fraud Cases

The Hills’ case isn’t isolated. Several other high-profile real estate fraud cases demonstrate the risks of concealing property defects:

* The Stoyanov v.Noone Case (California): This case established a strong precedent for holding sellers liable for failing to disclose known defects, even if the buyer didn’t specifically ask about them.

* Numerous Mold Disclosure Lawsuits: Across the country, numerous lawsuits have been filed against sellers for failing to disclose mold infestations, resulting in significant financial settlements.

* Foreclosure Fraud Cases: During the 2008 financial crisis, several cases emerged involving fraudulent appraisals and concealed property defects in foreclosure sales.

Practical Tips for Home Buyers: Protecting Your Investment

Here are some actionable steps home buyers can take to protect themselves from fraudulent misrepresentation:

1. Hire a Qualified Home Inspector: Don’t skimp on the inspection. Choose a licensed and experienced inspector