Zach in the News
Columbus landlord sentenced to jail; 3 properties set to be boarded up for criminal activity
“This landlord has subjected tenants to deplorable living conditions and allowed criminals to use his properties as hubs to traffic fentanyl and other drugs into our streets. This is just the first step to turn these properties around and make them positive pieces for our neighborhoods again,” said Assistant City Attorney Zach Gwin.
City shuts down two ‘dangerous’ Hilltop houses due to drug, crime activity
“It’s distressing to know that crack cocaine and fentanyl were being sold at these properties so close to a number of west side parks, community centers and churches—the heart of our community,” Assistant City Attorney Zach Gwin
Court project helps elderly, low-income property owners with code violations stay in homes
“The project started organically when we realized that a lot of these folks are disabled, they’re elderly, they have recent health issues, or they lost a job,” Hoelzel said. “So we started trying to find resources for folks to help them with problems that are directly related to why they're in our court."
Columbus City Attorney Files Lawsuit Against Southpark Apartments
“The health and safety of residents is our number one priority and the conditions at Southpark Apartments represent a significant hazard to the community. From the revolving door of criminal activity to units that are so unsafe and unsanitary they’re near uninhabitable,” said Assistant City Attorney Zach Gwin
Three known drug houses shut down
“These three cases are but the latest examples of the tragic human element that’s typically involved in our drug-related nuisance abatement complaints,” said Assistant City Attorney Zach Gwin, who is the Zone Initiative attorney assigned to Police Zone Three on the city’s west side. “There are no easy solutions but we hope shutting these properties down will provide some reprieve for those living nearby.”
15th Drug House Boarded on the West Side
Assistant City Attorney Zach Gwin, who oversees the city's West Side for Klein's office, said he was particularly distressed by the high volume of lethal drugs being sold in an apartment so close to several community cornerstones in Franklinton.
"We want to thank the Columbus Division of Police for their efforts and hope this court ruling will provide some relief to the neighborhood," Gwin said.
Violent Property Closed
“The pattern of violence and crime at this property posed an ongoing threat to the area, especially given its location in a dense residential area that is also home to several small businesses,” Assistant City Attorney Zach Gwin said. “We greatly appreciate the court granting the order and want to thank the Columbus Division of Police for their diligent work in helping us build our case.”
Nuisance Property Shuttered
In a court document, Zach Gwin, an assistant city attorney in City Attorney Zach Klein's office, listed numerous police runs to the property after the Dec. 11, 2018 warning by certified mail to George of drugs and guns found during a search warrant executed there in December 2018.