Pasadena : Landlord Faces Charges
City Prosecutor Courtlandt Crabtree last week filed 81 misdemeanor criminal charges against David O. Howard, owner of a 15-unit apartment building at 543 N. Raymond Ave. in Northwest Pasadena.
The charges allege that Howard violated plumbing, fire, building, mechanical, health and safety codes at the complex.
The building’s 53 tenants were evacuated Dec. 21 by city officials who spent more than $17,000 moving them to new quarters. Howard has appealed the city’s action. He claims that the city violated due process and that Deputy Fire Marshal Calvin Wells had a personal vendetta against him. A hearing is scheduled Jan. 31.
If Howard’s appeal fails, the city could demand that he repay the city’s tenant relocation costs, Deputy City Atty. Carolyn Williams said.
Arraignment on the misdemeanor charges is scheduled Jan. 30. If convicted, Howard could be fined up to $49,500 and would probably be placed on probation, Crabtree said.
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