Hamilton official accused of inspection code swindle
The Times
March 8, 2005
By Joseph Dee
HAMILTON - A township electrical inspector was arraigned in municipal court yesterday on a misconduct charge for allegedly soliciting a cash payment from a homeowner to rectify code violations he cited in a report.
Richard M. Hogan Jr. was suspended without pay on Feb. 25 and was formally charged by township police Friday, according to a statement from the township. The township did not identify the inspector, but police said it was Hogan.
Hogan was charged with a third-degree crime, which carries a maximum prison term of three to five years and a fine of up to $15,000, according to the township.
Two years ago, Hogan was suspended for a month for his role in a similar scheme, sources said.
Mayor Glen Gilmore said the inspector will be fired if the current allegations are borne out in court.
"Public office is a public trust," Gilmore said. "Those who violate that trust should expect to receive the fullest penalties of the law."
Hogan inspected a Wagner Street home in December because the elderly owners were planning to sell it.
Hogan "noted various violations that needed to be corrected prior to the sale of their home and then allegedly solicited a cash payment from the couple to correct the violations," according to the township.
The couple made the payment and then received a new inspection report showing no violations, even though neither Hogan nor anyone else fixed the problems that Hogan noted in his original report, the township said.
Hogan, 46, has worked for Hamilton more than 20 years, according to the township statement.
Efforts to contact Hogan yesterday were unsuccessful.
Detective Lt. James Kostoplis said the investigation is ongoing and said police are eager to learn if anyone else has information that could lead to additional charges.
