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SF Tenderloin Hotel Owner Sued Over Squalor, Gang Use

SAN FRANCISO (KCBS)— The San Francisco city attorney has filed a lawsuit against a Tenderloin District hotel owner, claiming the building is riddled with bed bugs and is the base of operations for a street gang.

The six-story 88-unit building at 245 Leavenworth has mold and garbage and has become a public nuisance according to court documents.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera said the property owner, John Wai, was notified two years ago of the alleged problems.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

"Now we have police reports that show a criminal street gang has used the property as a base for its criminal operations while the property owner has turned a blind eye," Herrera said.

Herrera called the situation an "unabated public nuisance" and that the gang known as the Cambodian Crips is "terrorizing residents and neighbors".

He wants the hotel renovated and the relocation of the tenants paid for by Wai.

Efforts to contact Wai were unsuccessful.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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