CRIME-FREE HOUSING? Interview with Gary Kespohl about his criminal tenants

Kespohl

Continued from Part 1

Columbia Heart Beat (CHB):   Many of your tenants had/have criminal histories.   Case in point:  John William Key, Jr. who was arrested while living at your 4700 Pierre Drive property for failure to register as a sex offender in 2005.   He had been arrested in 2002 for the same offense, and since 1986 had been convicted 14 times, of offenses ranging from burglary, assault, property damage, and in 1991 for 1st degree Felony Sexual Abuse.   As of April 2009, Key was still listed as living at 4700 Pierre, where it appears he's now fighting creditor lawsuits.  That address also shows on several of his convictions. 

Why rent to a repeat criminal offender like John William Key, Jr.? 

Gary Kespohl:  John William Key, Jr. had various problems as a young man.  We investigated his background and talked to John and decided to give him a chance.   During his occupancy with us, he has worked for the City of Columbia and currently works for the Central Missouri Food Bank.  John has become a good citizen of Columbia and remains a tenant without incident.  John's name was not on the sex offense registry when we first rented to him, but a change in Missouri state law added his name to that list.

CHB:  Here's the rap sheet on Kenneth Charles Brunner, who listed your 4712 Pierre Street property as his address.   He's been convicted in each instance, several times just in the past three years, including for drug possession and being a "persistent offender," all while residing at your rental.  Why rent to a persistent offender like Kenneth Charles Brunner?

Kenneth Charles Brunner, 27, of 4712 Pierre St., third-degree domestic assault.

Kenneth Charles Brunner, 26, of 4712 Pierre St., driving while intoxicated - persistent offender

Kenneth Charles Brunner, 26, of 4712 Pierre St., driving while license is suspended or revoked

Kenneth Charles Brunner, 25, of 4712 Pierre St., second offense of driving while intoxicated 

Gary Kespohl:  Kenneth Charles Brunner was never a signer on our lease.  He moved in with his mother during her lease and she paid all rents due.  He was evicted when we discovered his mother had moved to New Mexico. 

CHB:  What impact, if any, do you think renting to offenders has on neighbors, particularly children?  

Gary Kespohl:  Did not answer.  

CHB:   Are you aware that if one of your tenants -- say John William Key -- were to re-offend on or around your property, you could be liable?  

Gary Kespohl:  Did not answer.  

CHB:  Here's what the records show about confirmed tenants of your property at 753 Demaret 

Drive.   What do you want voters to know about the individual circumstances here?

Jennifer Thomas, 27, of 753 Demaret Drive, failure to appear in court
Jennifer Thomas, 27, of 753 Demaret Dr., failure to appear in court, failure to follow judge's orders
Jennifer Thomas, 27, of 753 Demaret Drive, three counts failure to appear in court, failure to follow judge's orders

Jamica Lastar Washington, 29, of 753 Demaret, four counts of failure to appear in court
Alissha M. Vazquez-Gonzalez, 24, of 753 Demaret Drive, stealing, failure to display plates on auto
Manuel Secundino-Barrera, 21, of 753 Demaret Drive, resisting arrest, obstruction of government operation
Luis Alberto Aguila-Yarnal, 21, of 753 Demaret Drive, driving while intoxicated, failure to display proof of insurance, driving unlicensed vehicle, failure to stay in traffic lanes 

Gary Kespohl:   Prior to occupancy, Jamica Lastar Washington had a rent and possession (eviction) lawsuit and a traffic ticket.  During occupancy with us, she had a traffic ticket and was evicted for rent and possession.  Prior to occupancy, Alissha Vazquez-Gonzales had a civil suit and a traffic ticket.  During occupancy, nothing. 

Prior to occupancy with us, Manuel Secendino Barrera had a DWI.  During occupancy, nothing.  Prior to occupancy, Luis Alberto Aguila-Yarnal had nothing.  During occupancy, he had a traffic ticket and a paternity suit. 

Prior to occupancy, Jennifer Thomas had a bad check charge.  During occupancy, she had a civil suit and a stalking charge. 

CHB:  Here's what arrest records show about confirmed tenants of your property at 755 Demaret Drive.   What do you want voters to know about the individual circumstances here?

Stacy Hope Mathis, 45, of 755 Demaret, third-degree domestic assault
Edgar Eduardo Riojas-Olivares, 23, of 755 Demaret Drive, driving while intoxicated
Edgar Eduardo Riojas-Olivares, 22, of 755 Demaret Drive, misdemeanor warrant.
Edgar Eduardo Riojas-Olivares, 19, of 755 Demaret Drive, driving while license is suspended or revoked

Edgar Eduardo Riojas-Olivares, 17, of 755 Demaret Drive, first-degree burglary
Edgar Eduardo Riojas-Olivares, 17, of 755 Demaret Drive, attempted first-degree burglary 

Gary Kespohl:  Prior to occupancy, Stacey Hope Mathis had a civil suit.   [No comment on Edgar Eduardo Riojas-Olivares.]   

CHB:  Here's what arrest records show about confirmed tenants of your property at 757 Demaret Drive.   What do you want voters to know about the individual circumstances here?

Lester Craig Cupp, 21, of 757 Demaret Drive, failure to follow judge's orders

Thalessia Leanne Hayes, 21, of 757 Demaret Drive, misdemeanor warrant.

Jason Edwin Cox, 25, of 757 Demaret Drive, third-degree assault

Jason Edwin Cox, 25, of 757 Demaret Drive, third-degree domestic assault 

Gary Kespohl:  These individuals never signed a lease, and if any of them were living in the unit, they were unknown to us.  They may have moved in with someone or gave the police an incorrect address.  

Editor's note:  Casenet shows criminal convictions for Jason Edwin Cox, Lester Craig Cupp, and Thalessia Leanne Hayes, all residing at 757 Demaret Drive.  

PART THREE:    Mr. Kespohl discusses more tenants, explains how he screens his rental applicants, and answers questions about Columbia's Crime Free Housing program.