Tenant Announces Intent to Pursue Legal Action After Toxic Mold Exposure at 1713 Francis Avenue

DES MOINES, Iowa - Dec. 3, 2025 - PRLog -- Jessica Henderson, former tenant of 1713 Francis Avenue, has announced her intent to pursue legal action after suffering documented respiratory injury caused by toxic mold exposure inside the home. The property is owned, managed, and overseen by several individuals and business entities who collectively control a large portfolio of residential real estate in Central Iowa.

Henderson intends to pursue claims against:

M & B Scott Properties, LLC
Andrew Kenneth Miles Scott
Summer Lynn Scott
Scott's Home Renewal, LLC
Timothy P. Hegwood
Christopher Fisher
CF Consulting Corp, d/b/a PMI Realty Central Iowa, d/b/a Property Management Inc. –
Central Iowa, a/k/a PMI Central Iowa

Henderson was a long-term tenant of the Francis Avenue residence. Beginning in December 2023, she developed progressively worsening respiratory symptoms. For months she underwent hospital visits, pulmonology evaluations, CT scans, emergency assessments, and a bronchoscopy procedure. In October 2024, after extensive medical review, she was diagnosed with Reactive Airway Disease, a chronic condition affecting the lungs and airways. A certified mold inspection conducted on September 10, 2024 by CRIE Mike Murtha revealed significant environmental hazards throughout the home, including:

• Chaetomium mold, confirmed at high levels
• Indoor humidity at 58%, capable of sustaining large-scale microbial growth
• Widespread moisture intrusion and structural damage
• Mold in basement walls, ceilings, cabinets, drywall, and HVAC ductwork
• Rusted ductwork, contaminated air filters, and longstanding neglect

After relocating, Henderson saw measurable improvement in her breathing and overall health — a timeline her pulmonologist confirmed was consistent with mold-related respiratory illness.

Public property records show that the ownership of 1713 Francis Ave in Des Moines, Iowa, owns 39 residential properties in Central Iowa. Henderson says this raises serious concerns about how many other tenants could unknowingly be living in unsafe or inadequately maintained homes.

"No tenant should ever become sick because of unsafe conditions in their home," Henderson said. "My illness was preventable and should not have happened. I'm speaking out not only to seek accountability for what happened to me but to bring awareness to the conditions tenants may be living in throughout the properties owned and managed by these individuals and companies."

Henderson's evidence includes:

• A documented medical timeline
• A physician summary connecting the illness to environmental exposure
• A mold exposure medical assessment
• The certified mold inspection report
• A summary of property conditions demonstrating long-term neglect

"She is seeking accountability, compensation for medical treatment, relocation expenses,
replacement of personal items and furnishings, pain and suffering, negligence and negligence per se, emotional distress and other noneconomic damages, and recognition of the harm she experienced as a result of the unsafe living conditions."