Slumlord Convicted, Imprisoned for breaking fire, health, safety codes

Great Neck Slumlord Convicted:

'via Blog this'

For example, some of the bedrooms were only 50 square feet, wires were hanging loose, mold was everywhere, and three bedrooms in the cellar all had external, keyed locks on the doors. The neighbor testified that he had seen at least a dozen men and women, plus three small children coming and going.

In a letter that was delivered to the justice after he had made a guilty determination in the case, Mayor Kreitzman wrote, “When a resident bravely comes forward, despite such concerns (reprisals), and assists the village in such a prosecution, to the extent that such efforts prove successful and terminate such use, it helps set an example that other residents may emulate to terminate similar dangerous situations.” The letter went on to recommend imprisonment due to “deep concern for the health and safety of the residents of the village. It appears to be the only way to motivate the defendant to cease and desist his dangerous activities within the village.”

"...the owner of the property or that the physical evidence of the conditions of the property were incorrect; rather, he offered documentation that he had no responsibilities for the property due to a lease with a third party for the use of the property. Records reveal that the third party is his estranged wife and that an order of protection prohibits him from “interfering with business of the alleged lessor.”

Is there an extra punishment for LYING TO THE COURT? Isn't that perjury?

The judge ruled that the defendant had not established a legal basis for his claim that he was not responsible for the condition of the property. Trustee and village police liaison Mark Birnbaum commented, “It is important that our courts enforce our laws that are designed to protect the health and welfare of our community. I am delighted to be able to send a message to all who think that they can get away without following our safety codes.”