Public housing inspections lead to four evictions for criminal, drug activity

Posted at 10:02 pm September 27, 2012
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Annual inspections of 127 public housing apartments this month led to four evictions for criminal and drug-related activities, the Oak Ridge Housing Authority announced Thursday.

Three of the evictions resulted in charges against a family member, a ORHA press release said. No one was charged in the fourth case due to the nature of the offense.

“However, in accordance with our policies, the offense will result in the family losing their housing assistance with ORHA,” the press release said. It did not give more information.

The press release said another eviction is possible, pending the outcome of an investigation by the Oak Ridge Police Department.

The ORHA inspections were conducted Sept. 17-20 with help from the ORPD K-9 squad. The K-9 squads looked for drugs or criminal-related activity, the press release said.

It said the ORPD and ORHA will respond to drug-related and criminal violations, following policies and lease agreements. Meanwhile, apartment items that need repairs will be reported to the ORHA maintenance staff.

The Housing Authority said including the ORPD in the annual inspections helps the agency provide safe, affordable housing.

For more information, visit www.orha.net or call at (865) 482-1006, ext. 125.

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