A local landlord who was the focus of a Target 11 investigation is facing more legal trouble.
of garbage at the old St. Henry's Church in Arlington Heights. That investigation prompted more complaints about similar issues in Swissvale involving the same landlord.
Prasad Margabandhu did not show up in court Tuesday morning. A judge denied his appeal, upholding a $10,000 fine against him for failing to obtain an occupancy permit for an apartment building in Swissvale that he owns.
“He moved people into the apartment, contrary to our laws, and we found out because of a medical emergency response and there were major code violations, serious electrical hazards, nonworking smoke detectors and fire alarms and we ordered everybody out and cited owner at time,” said Clyde Wilhelm, borough fire chief.
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Wilhelm said Margabandhu made some improvements, but not enough to pass inspection. Still, they said, he moved tenants back into the building.
Swissvale Code Enforcement Officer Michael Artman said he’s very concerned about the situation.
“We have a code-deficient building people are living in. Essentially, it's a match and a tinder stick,” Artman said.
Margabandhu also owns another building -- an old restaurant in Swissvale. The code enforcement officer said he will be cited for poor conditions there as well, after complaints about rats. Additionally, officials said Margabandhu hasn't paid taxes for either building.
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“Our overall goal is to make sure that people live in a safe environment. We want to protect these people living there from people who are renting buildings illegally and not up to code,” Wilhelm said.
On Tuesday afternoon, Margabandhu's attorney said his client overslept and missed today's hearing, but he said his client is working to correct the problems at the apartment building.
With regard to the old church owned by Margabandhu, the city has cited the property several times but could never find the owner, and Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus called Target 11’s Rick Earle for help.
Margabandhu's lawyer told Earle that squatters made the mess, and he vowed his client would clean it up. There had been some improvements when Target 11 last checked.
Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.
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