The Indianapolis Office of City Prosecutor on Thursday filed a public nuisance lawsuit against David J. Williams, who has owned or managed at least 69 properties in Marion County.
The complaint alleges that properties owned or maintained by Williams have instigated more than 400 violations of the Health and Hospital Code’s minimum standards for residential property and housing, and have generated more than 30 police reports for criminal activity.
Further, 14 of the properties have been demolished by the city due to neglect, disregard and inattention, according to the city.
The city is seeking a permanent injunction against further violations as well as monetary damages. The prosecutor said "Williams' neglect will cost taxpayers an estimated $300,000."
The city filed the public nuisance charges as part of a larger effort to crack down on negligent property owners, Mayor Greg Ballard said in a written statement.
“Property maintenance issues often mean the difference between a blighted neighborhood and a vibrant neighborhood,” he said. “We will continue to hold property owners responsible to their tenants and to their neighborhood.”
A phone number listed for Williams at his business, J Williams & Associates Inc., on 228 S. Sherman Dr., was disconnected.
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