By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
The owner of crime-plagued apartment complexes in the Arden Manor area has been charged by the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office with allowing a public nuisance to exist the Villa Capri and Arden Villa Apartments.
Under the California Penal Code, it is unlawful for property owners to allow public nuisances on their property, including conditions that are harmful to health, obstruct the free use of property and interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by an entire community or neighborhood, according to a District Attorney's Office news release.
The misdemeanor charge was filed against property owner Emily Chen, general partner of the E/H First Family Limited Partnership. She could face a maximum penalty of six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.
In January, two innocent bystanders were shot and killed while standing on the grounds of the Villa Capri Apartments. Law enforcement officials say the apartments have inadequate security, and violence perpetrated by tenants and visitors has resulted in a disproportionately high number of calls to the Sheriff's Department.
In addition, the apartments lacked an on-site manager as required by the California Code of Regulation. Without property supervision, officials say, the apartments attracted frequent loiterers who intimidated neighbors and committed crime.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
Previous coverage:
Neighbor's suit accuses Arden Manor apartment owner of maintaining 'slum' - July 6, 2010
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