Local News in Brief : Landlord Accused of Ransoming Water
A South-Central Los Angeles landlord has been charged with two misdemeanors for ransoming water at his apartment building and turning off the service to tenants who refused to pay, City Attorney James K. Hahn said.
Named in the two-count complaint was Gregory W. Woods, 34, who lives at the apartment house at 902 E. 41st Place, where he is accused of turning off water to two units on Dec. 27.
“The victims told police that Woods frequently made demands for $5 to $20 from tenants, threatening to turn off their water if they didn’t pay,” Hahn said.
Woods is charged with two violations of a municipal code section that makes it a crime to interfere with public utility services. Each count is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
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