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Lawrence gets 70 days, more than $176,000 in fines
10/26/2009 4:22 PM by John M
The folks at Richmond Slumlord Watch are reporting that this was a very bad day for Oliver Lawrence:
Oliver Lawrence was in General District court for over 5 hours today. Without going into all of the procedural details (show-causes on 140 previously suspended sentences, etc. etc.), the ultimate result was a sentence that boils down to 70 days and over $176,000.00 in fines. This will most likely be appealed at circuit court, but all in all, a bad day for slumlords in Richmond.
It’s about time… I hope folks who are sitting on vacant / poorly maintained properties will get the picture and either clean up their stuff or sell to someone who will…
fantastic,lets hope for more to come…
Excellent news. I hope the other criminally negligent and absentee property owners will take note. Priddy Ray – they’re gunning for you!
Good to see the outcome. I had to leave after the first break. The City attorney did say that Lawrence will most likely appeal within 30 days.
Shannon – a request, if possible. Can you create a list of foreclosures for zip codes 23222, 23223 & 23224 under $160K? I noticed that they did not ask Lawrence for ‘proof’ that his properties are in foreclosure. When I pointed that out to the assistant he said that would be very helpful.
I’ll check it against the list of his properties on the city site and see if/how many there are. That info, plus additional letters gathered from neighbors and the police reports will present a stronger case for the City at his appeal.
A reader sends in more detail on yesterday’s events:
Lawrence was in court on 1) 16 charges coming from 5 properties, and 2) 152 motions to show cause on fines and/or jail sentences suspended on prior convictions. Mr. Lawrence was found guilty on the 16 new charges (building code violations&environmental violations). On the 152 motions to show cause, well, that’s where Lawrence picked up his fines and jail time. Lawrence has 10 days to appeal; his jail time is slated to begin on November 10.
Maybe the owners of the “Theatre” (homeless cat and racoon home) on 25th St. and Clay will get the hint.
I doubt it though – this place seems to be invisible to our wonderful city.
As a new homeowner, there are 5 properties on my block that have been vacant since I moved in April. 2 are in horrendous condition, 2 were at one point being renovated and have since run out of money, and the fifth is in very poor condition. This is on the 3100 block of Broad Street right before Chimborazo Park. Any word on these? I spoke to the contractor for the property at 3101 Broad and he said he has no idea what’s going on as he hasn’t heard from the owner in some time.
Surprisingly, I haven’t seen mention of this on the RTD or TV station websites.
Richmond’s Code Enforcement wins major victory slumord faces 70 days in jail, $176,000 in fines (Examiner 10/28/09)
Richmond property owner faces fines, jail time (RTD 10/29/09)
about time somebody put richmonds fat albert out of business. he is a thief and a crook who needs to be in jail. There are some people in there waiting to break him open like a 12 gauge, if you dig what i am saying.LOL Justice at last!!
Yay! I’m glad to see this. I would love to see those buildings on Grace Street renovated one day.
I wish that something could be done about the house adjoined to mine. The owner got around their code violations by putting up miniblinds on all the windows you can see from public property so you can’t see inside anymore. You can still see from my backyard though, that the roof has caved in. I’ve called the owner who told me if I had such a problem with the property I should either move or buy the house because he didn’t have the finances to repair it.