City atty. charges L.A. developer

City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo announced Tuesday that he has filed criminal charges against prominent downtown Los Angeles developer Meruelo Maddux Properties, accusing the firm of improperly removing and disposing of asbestos-tainted material from an industrial complex.

Named in the 16-count complaint is the company and its president, John Charles Maddux, and project managers John Durham and John Horrigan.

The city attorney alleged that in September 2005, the firm bought a seven-structure industrial site at 1060 N. Vignes St. and demolished the structures without providing required asbestos abatement notification to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The handling of asbestos is regulated by the state because breathing the fibers can lead to serious lung disease.

“Companies that endanger public health by ignoring the regulations that protect our residents will be held accountable, and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Delgadillo said.

An inspection by air quality district officials last year determined that there were asbestos materials in the demolition area. The firm was not able to document proper asbestos removal or show that it had been properly disposed of, the city attorney alleges.

If convicted, the individuals could face up to one year in jail and up to $100,000 in fines.

Michael Bustamante, a spokesman for the company, said the allegations raised by Delgadillo “are unwarranted.” He said the firm has met with air quality officials and is cooperating fully.

Not named in the complaint is company Chairman Richard Meruelo, who in 2005 was the largest individual campaign supporter of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, spending $197,300 for his election.

Last year, the city Building and Safety Department banned Meruelo Maddux Properties from constructing anything for five years on a lot near Union Station after determining that the firm had knocked down four buildings without a demolition permit. That ban was later shortened to 18 months.

And last month, city prosecutors filed criminal charges against Meruelo and his 7th Street Market alleging illegal construction, unsanitary conditions and rodent infestation.

In that case, Meruelo and Durham could face up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines for each of the eight misdemeanors filed.

Meruelo Maddux manages more than 100 commercial and residential properties in the downtown Los Angeles area.

Arraignment in the case announced Tuesday has been scheduled for May 3 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

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patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com