Unit Formed to Prosecute Building Code Violators
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At a dilapidated four-story apartment building just west of downtown, the city attorney’s office announced Tuesday the formation of a unit to handle all criminal and civil cases involving properties with code violations.
City officials said owners of the building at 421 S. Bixel St. will be arraigned next month on 26 building and safety, fire and health code violations. The owners, Rolland Gene Johnston, 70, Duretta Joyce Johnston, 67, and Henry Chaing Pun, 34, could not be reached for comment. If convicted, they could receive “substantial” jail time and fines, a city attorney said.
The city attorney’s new unit will place a variety of housing enforcement activities under one supervisor, said Deputy City Atty. Ted Goldstein. “There will be much more control to monitor the city’s problem buildings under one roof,” he said.
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