Inside the Courthouse: Gas Explosion Violations, Hampton Rd. Delays, Knife Wife Adjourned

Here's a look at what happened in Scarsdale Court during the March 10 session. Court is in session every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Owner of Home Damaged in Gas Explosion Faces Housing Code Violations

The interior of Seth Newlin's Drake Road home was damaged in a Jan. 2009 gas explosion, and the house has been vacant ever since. On Wednesday Newlin's attorney, Jeffrey Klein, was in court to answer to half a dozen housing code violations, including breaking the fire code and letting weeds overtake the front lawn. Klein said he and Newlin have been working with the village's Building Department to obtain a demolition permit for the home. The Historic Preservation Committee has already approved the plan.

"We're well along the road," Klein said.

The case was adjourned to April 14. Village Attorney Wayne Essanason said Newlin needs to shut off the water and gas lines to the home as soon as possible and return to court with a concrete time frame for demolition.

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Case of Homeowner Accused of Neglect Adjourned Once Again

Miriam Kahn, an elderly Garth Road resident who owns a home on Hampton Road, was back in court Wednesday to answer to a number of housing code violations, including sanitation issues, illegal storage, and creating an electrical fire hazard.

Village Attorney Wayne Essanason said there have been numerous complaints about the unsightliness of the home and concerns about its security, as doors and windows have been found broken and unlocked. A car in the back of the house is covered with a blue tarp, and doesn't have an engine in it, he said.

Kahn's sister told Essanason that they have found two prospective buyers for the home. The court adjourned the case to March 24.

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Alleged Petty Thief Seeking Drug Treatment

Frank Fraioli is charged with petit larceny after allegedly trying to steal three packs of gum from the 7/11 on Garth Road in November. Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Adimari said her office has a security video showing the alleged theft and is ready to proceed with prosecution. Fraioli's lawyer said the defendant, who is facing similar charges in the Bronx, has entered a drug treatment program and "is looking to avoid jail." The case was adjourned to April 14.

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Adjournment in Women's Alleged Knife Attack on Husband

Ruth Duignan, 71, of Walworth Avenue is charged with second-degree assault and second-degree menacing, both felonies. Duignan allegedly attacked her husband with knives the day after Christmas, injuring his hand. The court adjourned the case to March 24 to allow Duignan's lawyer and the DA's office to communicate.