by Arthur Z. Schwartz
There have been a few developments on the legal front concerning my arrest back in mid-July. Attorney General Schneiderman turned over the five cameras to the District Attorney. I understand why his staff had to do that, but then I was told that they weren’t going to get involved because they only pursue landlords who are serial harassers. I suggested that they adjust the advertising for their Tenant Harassment Task Force, with its on-line complaint form, and make it clear that individual cases are not welcome.
For now I am still scheduled to have the charges against me presented to a grand jury on October 15. My lawyer hasn’t met with the DA yet to try to talk him out of it. If it goes to the grand jury I will testify and explain that the cameras weren’t taken for “self-enrichment.” I will, in fact, ask the grand jury to indict the landlord for Criminal Harassment. The Judge in charge of the guardianship over Mrs. Berk set a hearing (no date at present) to evaluate whether I am fit to remain Mrs. Berk’s guardian given my arrest on Grand Larceny charges.
Ruth was interviewed on RT (Russian TV, the Russian answer to Al Jazeera) and sang for the folks “back in the USSR.” And finally on August 20 Ruth Berk turned 92. She had a party and now has a Verizon Tablet to see herself with on the news (and on Facebook!)
