Ex-Merrillville landlords & NY real estate financiers sued by Attorney General Todd Rokita
Ex-Merrillville landlords & NY real estate financiers sued by Attorney General Todd Rokita over alleged displacement, forced evacuation of elderly tenants
Attorney General Todd Rokita and his team have filed a lawsuit against New York real estate financier ROCO Chetrit Entities LLC for allegedly allowing Hickory Ridge Apartments in Merrillville, Indiana, to fall into such disrepair that elderly and vulnerable tenants were unlawfully forced out of their homes.
“Tenant abuse is unacceptable, and my office fights hard to hold landlords accountable —particularly greedy, out-of-state actors who clearly don’t respect the rent being paid by hardworking Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “No one who is spending their money for a place to live should be disregarded or disrespected like these elderly and vulnerable tenants in Merrillville.”
This case is just the latest instance in which Attorney General Rokita has fought for tenants’ rights and well-being. Recently, the office filed a civil complaint against the owners of two alleged abandoned apartment complexes in Anderson. Additionally, Attorney General Rokita’s Homeowner Protection team achieved a settlement on behalf of tenants at the Willow Brook Gardens Apartments in Indianapolis for their poor treatment of renters.
The ROCO lawsuit alleges that companies related to the real estate financiers of the Chetrit Group defaulted on a nearly half-billion dollar loan backed by Freddie Mac that financed a multitude of multifamily properties across the country, including several properties in Indiana containing nearly 1,500 units.
The New York real estate financier allegedly failed to properly fund necessary maintenance and repairs from 2019 to 2023 at Hickory Ridge Apartments, resulting in multiple incidents of flooding, sewage backups into occupied units, and unsafe and illegal fire code violations. At various times, the properties also allegedly lacked the required rental, business and fire alarm permits mandated by the City of Merrillville.
Due to these alleged violations, multiple renters faced chaotic events that displaced them, including a forced evacuation in June 2023.
“It has long been a bedrock of Indiana law that landlords at the very least owe their tenants the most basic standards of habitability, including maintaining major systems and ensuring that the properties that they lease are fit for human habitation,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Our state welcomes investments from anyone who cares enough to meet these basic obligations, but we will not tolerate those who grind their heels on the poor and play a game of Monopoly with the lives of hard-working Hoosiers.”
The lawsuit demands a jury trial, costs of prosecution and other damages against the defendants for multiple violations of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and Home Loan Practices Act.
Attorney General Rokita thanked his office’s Homeowner Protection Unit for its work on this case, including Section Chief Chase Haller, Assistant Section Chief Timothy Weber, Deputy Attorney General Rebekah Hammond and Investigator Molly Jefford.
The mission of the Homeowner Protection Unit is to protect the rights of all individuals involved in the housing market, including tenants, homeowners, and aspiring homeowners, by investigating and redressing deceptive acts in connection with mortgage lending and violations of relevant state and federal laws.
UE Honored for Outstanding Transfer Support by Phi Theta Kappa
EVANSVILLE, IND. (06/24/2024) For the third year in a row, the University of Evansville (UE) was named to the 2024 Transfer Honor Roll by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) for its support of transfer students as they enroll and work to complete their education. Of the nearly 900 colleges and universities across the nation that were considered, UE was one of just 228 that made the list.
The Transfer Honor Roll is established through the evaluation of 40 key indicators that measure a university’s commitment to transfer students as they transition to and succeed at their institutions. These metrics encompass factors such as college expenses, financial aid availability, transfer-friendly campus environment, admission procedures, and successful attainment of bachelor’s degrees.
“At UE, we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for transfer students,” said Cherie Leonhardt, Manager of Transfer Admission. “Recognizing the unique needs of transfer students, we are dedicated to providing the support and resources essential for their academic success. This acknowledgment further highlights our commitment.”
Transfers are a growing population of students at the University of Evansville. Their academic talents and abilities are recognized by robust scholarships and financial aid, including a scholarship for PTK members, and special scholarships for students transferring from Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.
Learn more about University of Evansville’s transfer admission program at evansville.edu/transfer.
CenterPoint Energy Foundation accepting applications for its second grant cycle of 2024
Emphasizing a commitment to community vitality and education, the Foundation welcomes applications through July 26, 24
Evansville, Ind. –July 1, 2024 – The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications for its second and final 2024 grant cycle through July 26.
Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst in the communities it serves by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy of these communities. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary address is located in CenterPoint Energy’s footprint and has programs that support community vitality and education. Priority consideration is given to programs that serve low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities and provide increased access to nonprofit programs and services.
“We are proud of the impact our foundation has in helping our communities achieve extraordinary outcomes,” said June Deadrick, Vice President of community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “Our focus remains on investing in initiatives enhancing lives today while building a strong foundation for a better tomorrow. We encourage eligible organizations to apply for a grant during this funding cycle.”
In the first cycle of 2024, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $8 million in grants across Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. Some of the projects funded in early 2024 include:
JobSource (Indiana): JobSource’s Heartland Scholar House Program received a $100,000 grant from the Foundation to support expansion of the program into Marion and Muncie, Indiana. Scholar House helps to end the cycle of generational poverty by helping single parents graduate from the post-secondary institution of their choosing while offering housing and high-quality childcare for their children.
Project Build a Future (Louisiana): For more than 20 years, Project Build a Future has helped low-to-moderate income community members purchase homes in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Foundation awarded a $90,000 grant to Project Build a Future to help provide supportive services so that homeownership can be within reach for underserved community members. Through support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation and other community organizations, Project Build a Future is helping break cycles of poverty within the community.
The Works Museum (Minnesota): The Works Museum aims to increase access for students to hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM, educational opportunities. Through a $100,000 grant from the Foundation, a mobile STEAM lab will be funded that will remove barriers for elementary school students across the state to participate in education that fosters curiosity and creativity. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is proud to support the next generation of engineers and problem solvers.
Mississippi Children’s Museum (Mississippi): The Mississippi Children’s Museum hosts the Read to Succeed Camp to increase student success and their readiness for fourth grade. Through a $20,000 grant from the Foundation, students from Jackson Public School District who have not successfully passed the 3rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment will be provided literacy-based lessons and one-on-one tutoring to get them ready to retake this test. The Read to Succeed Camp provides individualized learning and resources to help make third graders to enter fourth grade.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton (Ohio): The Foundation provided a $125,000 grant to fund one new home build in an underserved Dayton neighborhood. The remainder of the grant will support Habitat’s critical home repair program, so older adults can age in place in a safe and secure home.
Neighborhood Strong (Texas): Neighborhood Strong aims to enhance the quality of life for residents within the City of Lufkin, Texas, Angelina County and eight adjacent counties. The Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to Neighborhood Strong to help repair, modify and reconstruct homes for underserved homeowners in these communities, helping to benefit seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and lower-income individuals. With the support of the Foundation and other organizations, Neighborhood Strong is making a life-changing impact for community members.
Evansville defeated in extra innings affair
CRESTWOOD, Ill. – The Evansville Otters fell in extra innings on Friday night at Ozinga Field to the Windy City ThunderBolts in a 2-1 finish.
Jon Beymer in a bullpen day put together his best appearance of the year. His first start totaled 68 pitches and four innings of shutout baseball, and the right-hander left with the game still scoreless on both sides.
The ThunderBolts (18-26) took the lead in the sixth inning by plating a run. In the eighth frame, the Otters (17-26) answered by answering with one of their own. With the bases loaded and one out, Giovanni DiGiacomo hit a sacrifice fly to left-center field, scoring Jomar Reyes who reached on an error.
Michael McAvene struck out three and maneuvered around an Otter’s error in the ninth, sending the game to an extra inning.
Heading into the tenth, Randy Bednar began on second base with the international tiebreaker rules in play. He moved to third on a ground ball to the right side of the infield, but was stranded there after two more weak rollers to the pitcher and third baseman.
Windy City laid down a sacrifice bunt to move their commissioner’s runner to third, and the next batter singled him in to walk off. The ThunderBolts have walked off against Evansville in both games at Ozinga Field in 2024.
Pavin Parks (0-1) took the loss and Tyler LaPorte (1-0) earned the win with both pitchers throwing in the final inning.
The Otters were held to four hits, their lowest marker of the season for the second night in three games. Logan Brown accounted for half of the knocks. Windy City totaled three base hits in the win.
Evansville is now 5-11 in series opening contests. They look to bounce back tomorrow in the middle game against Windy City, with a first pitch of 6:05 p.m. CT. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
– The Evansville Otters fell in extra innings on Friday night at Ozinga Field to the Windy City ThunderBolts in a 2-1 finish.
Jon Beymer in a bullpen day put together his best appearance of the year. His first start totaled 68 pitches and four innings of shutout baseball, and the right-hander left with the game still scoreless on both sides.
The ThunderBolts (18-26) took the lead in the sixth inning by plating a run. In the eighth frame, the Otters (17-26) answered by answering with one of their own. With the bases loaded and one out, Giovanni DiGiacomo hit a sacrifice fly to left-center field, scoring Jomar Reyes who reached on an error.
Michael McAvene struck out three and maneuvered around an Otters error in the ninth, sending the game to extra inning.
Heading into the tenth, Randy Bednar began on second base with the international tiebreaker rules in play. He moved to third on a ground ball to the right side of the infield, but was stranded there after two more weak rollers to the pitcher and third baseman.
Windy City laid down a sacrifice bunt to move their commissioner’s runner to third, and the next batter singled him in to walk off. The ThunderBolts have walked off against Evansville in both games at Ozinga Field in 2024.
Pavin Parks (0-1) took the loss and Tyler LaPorte (1-0) earned the win with both pitchers throwing in the final inning.
The Otters were held to four hits, their lowest marker of the season for the second night in three games. Logan Brown accounted for half of the knocks. Windy City totaled three base hits in the win.
Evansville is now 5-11 in series opening contests. They look to bounce back tomorrow in the middle game against Windy City, with a first pitch of 6:05 p.m. CT. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Trailblazer twins Kris and Kent King sign with Chaminade University
VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University men’s basketball sophomores Kris and Kent King (Washington, D.C.) announced their plans for the upcoming season by signing with NCAA Division II Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“What led me to choose Chaminade was the way they made me feel home away from home and their will to want to see me win and succeed,” Kent King said. “My favorite memory at VU would be when we went to Hutch as a team and got to compete there.”
“It means a lot to play with my brother at the next level,” Kent added. “It was definitely a goal of mine, however, I just wanted to find the best situation and that was what I found in Chaminade.”
“What led me to my decision to commit to Chaminade was the hard working, family oriented, personal developmental environment they introduced me and my family to,” Kris said. “I liked a lot and wanted to be a part of an environment like that.”
“My favorite memory from VU was probably walking the stage with my teams and winning the District Championship with my brothers,” Kris added. “It was a special moment for us as a group, so I will forever remember that experience.”
The twins are coming off of a solid season for the Trailblazers, bouncing in and out of the starting lineup after being more of a sixth man as a freshman.
Kris is coming off a sophomore campaign where he averaged 11.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game in 31 appearances for the Blazers.
Kris closed out his VU career with 675 points, 269 rebounds and 205 assists over the last two seasons.
Kris had his best stretch of games this past season after the Holiday break, scoring 20 or more points in three straight games and later setting a career-high with 26 points against Kaskaskia College in March.
Kent King had a similar season to his brother, bouncing in and out of the starting lineup for 15 starts in 32 games played last season.
Kent would close out his VU career averaging 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game as a sophomore and finish his two season in Blue and Gold with 395 points, 194 rebounds and 145 assists.
Kent’s best game this past season was when he set a career high with 20 points at Wabash Valley in March.
Kent helped guide the Blazers to a big 78-51 victory over the host Warriors with five big threes off the bench.
The King twins were big contributors to the Trailblazers success the last two years which included a final record of 60-10 over two seasons, including two trips to the NJCAA National Tournament, the 2024 Division I Region 24 Championship and an Elite Eight appearance at the 2023 National Tournament.
The twins follow fellow sophomore Michael Osei-Bonsu (Bolingbrook, Ill.) and Victor Lado (Louisville, Ky.) to announce their future plans, with Osei-Bonsu signing to play at NCAA Division I Missouri State University and Lado signing to play at Division II Colorado State University-Pueblo.
“Vincennes University has prepared me in every way to be successful at a four-year school,” Kent said. “The staff, the environment and the culture of being great is what prepared me.”
The King twins are set to join a Chaminade squad coming off a 10-18 season last year under Head Coach Eric Bovaird.
Chaminade University is notably the host of the annual Maui Invitational tournament which is played Thanksgiving week with the field made up of top Division I programs every year.
The Silverswords play in the Maui Invitational on odd years only, so the twins might have a chance to play in this tournament in 2025.
The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Kris King and Kent King on their commitment to continuing their education at Chaminade University and wishes them good luck as they continue their basketball careers next season.
Blazer Karyiek Dixon signs with NCAA D-II Emporia State
VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University sophomore Karyiek Dixon (Enfield, London, UK) announced earlier this week that he has signed to continue his basketball career next season at NCAA Division II Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan.
“Emporia State is where I have decided to continue my basketball career,” Dixon said. “Coach Billeter won a National Championship in 2016 and is aiming for another one. That is a goal we share, similar to how it was at VU. Coach Franklin is a Hall of Fame Coach, who also won a National Championship and over the two years I played at VU, we competed to try to win another one and went to Hutch both years.”
Dixon made a major improvement in his sophomore season, being a key figure in the Trailblazers front court, averaging 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in 29 starts for VU.
Dixon was a consistent member of the VU lineup all season, being one of only three players to play in all 34 games this past season for the Blazers.
Dixon’s best stretch of games came early in the 2023-24 season when he scored in double figures in six out of seven games, including recording three double doubles during that run.
Dixon’s best game came with 18 points and 12 rebounds in VU’s win over then No. 25-ranked Monroe College in November.
Dixon closed out his VU career with 367 total points and 303 rebounds, scoring in double figures 16 times and recording five double doubles in his two season with the Blazers.
Dixon helped guide the Blazers to a 60-10 record over the last two seasons, including an Elite Eight appearance as a freshman and winning the NJCAA Division I Region 24 Championship this past season.
Dixon is the fifth VU sophomore to sign to play at the next level, following Michael Osei-Bonsu (Bolingbrook, Ill.), Victor Lado (Louisville, Ky.), Kris King (Washington, D.C.) and Kent King (Washington, D.C.).
Osei-Bonsu signed last month with Division I Missouri State University, with Lado heading to Division II Colorado State University-Pueblo and Kris and Kent King signing with Division II Chaminade University in Hawaii.
“Going to Hutch and competing against the other top teams in the country has helped prepare me to play at the next level,” Dixon added. “At Vincennes University, they also emphasized the importance of academics, which I liked. VU prepared me to further pursue a degree in accounting.”
Dixon is joining a Hornets squad that finished last season with a 19-12 record, including a 12-10 record in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) conference and a 14-3 record at home.
Dixon will get to play for newly hired Head Coach Tom Billeter who comes to Emporia State after 21 seasons at Division II Augustana University, including winning the 2016 Division II National Championship.
The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Karyiek Dixon on his commitment to continuing his education at Emporia State University and wishes him good luck as he continues his basketball career next season.