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Residents publicly accuse landlord of stalking and harassment; city attorney urges evidence to police
Summary
Multiple current and former tenants told the council they have been stalked, threatened, filmed and unlawfully entered by a landlord identified in public comment as William Asper; the city attorney reminded speakers that litigation is pending and encouraged victims to deliver evidence to law enforcement and the city's legal team.
Several current and former tenants used the council’s public-comment period on May 4 to describe prolonged harassment, alleged illegal entries and threats by a landlord they identified as William Asper.
Speakers described a pattern of conduct they say includes entering rental properties without notice, videotaping tenants and children, alleged threats to evict or levy criminal charges, and other harassing behavior. One speaker, who identified herself only as Trisha, told the council she had accompanied other victims and said the U.S. Department of Justice had received evidence. Former tenant Brian Goucher said he was illegally evicted and that the landlord had continued to follow and threaten him after he moved.
"This is a predator and he needs to be off the streets," one commenter said during the meeting. Several speakers asked the city and police to intervene.
The city attorney addressed the council after public comment and reminded residents that the city is aware of active litigation involving the individual's trust. The attorney advised that criminal allegations and associated evidence should be shared directly with the police department and that civil-case evidence related to the city’s legal matters should be coordinated through the administration to the city attorney's office.
Chiefs and city staff present were asked to remain after the meeting to meet with victims and document accounts. Council members thanked those who came forward and urged residents to work with the police for criminal complaints and with the city attorney for civil evidence.
What residents said they want: law-enforcement investigation, removal of the alleged offender from access to tenants, and enforcement of landlords’ legal and licensing obligations. What the city said: the city attorney cautioned against public commentary on pending litigation, directed victims to law enforcement, and said the administration will accept documentation for civil cases through appropriate channels.
Because litigation is pending, the city has limited ability to discuss investigative details publicly; victims and counsel were advised to coordinate evidence submission with police and the city attorney’s office.
