(WNY News Now) – A western New York landlord has pleaded guilty to a health code violation, becoming the third landlord prosecuted in Erie County since 2014. The 41-year-old woman rented out a property in defiance of a health order suspending its occupation due to code violations.
Buffalo – 41-year-old Carrie A. Preischel from Boston, New York, has entered a guilty plea before Buffalo City Court Judge JaHarr Pridgen. Preischel admitted to one count of Willful Violation of Health Laws, a charge classified as an unclassified misdemeanor under Public Health Law Section 12-B (1).
The case stems from Preischel’s failure to adhere to public health law regulations by leasing an apartment to a tenant while being fully aware of an Erie County Department of Health order that suspended property occupation due to health code infractions.
The investigation into Preischel’s rental property at 468 Fargo Avenue in Buffalo began in January 2020 after an anonymous tip. A health department sanitarian found multiple violations, including chipping paint that posed a lead poisoning risk. Consequently, a “Do Not Allow Occupancy of Dwelling Unit” notice was posted in February 2020, mandating that the property remain vacant until it met health department standards.
Despite partial remediation efforts, the property did not achieve full compliance. A second no-occupancy notice was posted in January 2021. The property was still rented to another tenant who occupied it until February 2022, disregarding the health department’s order.
Carrie A. Preischel faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail, with her sentencing scheduled for Monday, November 27, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. She remains released on her own recognizance as the charge does not qualify for bail.
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