Fatal Adult Home Fire: Building Inspector Pleads Not Guilty

SPRING VALLEY, NY — Two people have pleaded not guilty in relation to involvement in the fatal fire March 23 at the Evergreen Court Assisted Living Home in Spring Valley.

Manuel Lema, an employee at Evergreen and a Pomona resident, entered a not guilty plea July 6 to misdemeanor criminal impersonation and obstructing governmental administration, the Rockland Times reported.

Wayne Ballard, the Spring Valley village building inspector, pleaded not guilty July 13. He had been charged with filing a fraudulent report with the state.

The massive blaze destroyed the 1903 hotel that was converted to an adult home, killing firefighter Jared Lloyd and resident Oliver Hueston.

About a dozen people were injured as well.

SEE ALSO:

• Fatal Adult Home Fire Arrests: Fifth Person Turns Himself In
  
• Adult Home Fire: Manslaughter, Arson, False Report Charges
• Fatal Adult Home Fire: Sources Say Alarms Were Off For Pre-Passover Cleaning