Local News in Brief : New Charges for Slumlord

Los Angeles slumlord Bradley Thrasher, already convicted of health, safety and building violations, faces 34 new criminal charges filed by the Los Angeles city attorney, all in connection with a 74-year-old building he owns at 1621 S. Grand Ave.

The latest filing accuses Thrasher, 34, and business partner Robert May of Lancaster of defective fire doors, non-working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, lack of heat, defective plumbing, exposed wires, broken windows, accumulated trash and vermin infestation.

Thrasher has been convicted in two slum cases and found guilty of one probation violation involving the 67-unit apartment building, known as Young Apartments. One conviction stemmed from a fire in the building last year that left 30 to 40 residents trapped on balconies, unable to descend because fire ladders were not working. They were rescued by firefighters, and Thrasher was sentenced to 60 days in jail.