Investigation clears transaction process

As a result of charges levied against a Village of Brockport landlord and a financial transaction that transpired during those court proceedings, board members had asked for an investigation by the district attorney to determine the propriety of the case. On Monday, December 27, Assistant District Attorney Larry Bernstein announced that no criminal charges were appropriate.

Trustees initiated contact with the district attorney's office following a settlement negotiated by village attorney Keith O'Toole and approved by Mayor Josephine Matela that finalized a property code violation against Arden Campbell, a landlord. Campbell received an ACD (adjournment contemplating dismissal) as a result of deadly carbon monoxide levels that were released into a home he owned on 82 Holley Street in the village. As a result of the October 20 incident, six SUNY Brockport students were evacuated after being exposed to the carbon monoxide. Levels of carbon monoxide are considered deadly when they reach 250 parts per million. The levels inside the rental house were registered at 900 parts per million in parts of the house.

The case was settled and it resulted in Campbell giving the village a check for $2,000 to go toward the purchase of carbon monoxide detectors for residents. Matela said the check was returned. It was the passing of the check as a result of the court proceedings that prompted board members to request an investigation.

"I'm glad this is being put to rest," Matela said. "I never thought any of it was handled incorrectly. We are always working toward the best interest of the community."