Breaking
Once again, Bellevue landlord Jaskaran Singh prevailed in court. King County judge Brian McDonald dismissed the Temporary Protection Order filed by serial squatter Sang Kim. The judge basically concluded that Kim lacked evidence and was not harmed in any way.
Lack of Evidence
Singh’s attorney Stephen Freedborn says, “I was pleased with Judge McDonald’s ruling and believe that it was proper based upon the evidence and the lack of evidence on the part of Mr. Kim through his counsel Housing Justice Project.”
HJP has now brought two anti-harassment cases against Singh and both have been dismissed.
Housing Justice Project
Three HJP attorneys were in court today including Sebastian Stockpyle seen in this photo. He was officially representing Kim. Critics say this legal aid group should be focused on helping low income tenants rather than spending taxpayer dollars on filing Temporary Protection Orders. The court proceeding lasted more than three hours.
Rent Brought Current
As for next steps, the money pledged by HJP finally came in Tuesday. Two checks for a combined total of $51,660.30 (taxpayer money) for Mr. Kim’s current delinquency.
This amount brings rent current through April 30, 2024. It also triggers a new lease that allows Kim to pay month to month.
But the month of May is right around the corner. If Kim does not pay the $4400 rent for this house, Singh will be forced to start the eviction process all over again. It will be the fourth time in the past two years.
Big Money Spent for Serial Squatter
How much longer will Housing Justice Project represent Kim? Was this free legal aid group started so deadbeat renters could live in $2M homes paid for by taxpayers? The optics look horrible here. HJP has easily dropped more than $100K representing Kim.
Taking a Break in Protests
Just spoke with Singh. After seven straight weeks of protests, he’s taking a break this Saturday since Kim is now caught up on rent. But the moment he’s forced to resume the eviction process, the protests will also start up again.
Singh’s Hefty Legal Bill
Singh is still out more than $30K in legal bills. He plans on keeping attorney Stephen Freeborn in the event Kim fails to pay his rent in May. Singh thanks his supporters and says donations received will go to all legal fights with Kim.