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Previously Convicted Landlord Back in Court

Updated: Monday, February 4 2013, 08:59 PM EST
COLUMBUS -- A landlord who was instructed to stop managing properties faced a judge Monday on accusations of violating his probation.

Sam Vazirani, 73, was arrested January 31 after, officers say, he continued to buy, sell, rent, and manage properties while on probation for nearly two dozen code violations.

Court documents indicate investigators found various records, such as rent receipts and eviction notices, in Vazirani's car following his arrest.

Tina Finley is listed as one of Vazirani's renters in the Linden area.  She told ABC 6/FOX 28 she asked Vazirani if he was allowed to collect rent after his sentencing last April.

"He said, 'It's in my daughter's name,'" Findley said.

Before setting a $10,000 bail amount for Vazirani Monday, municipal court Judge Harland Hale stated, "It appears to me I can't trust you, Mr. Vazirani."

If Vazirani is able to post bail, Judge Hale ordered him to wear an ankle monitor and ordered the landlord to remain under house arrest.

Vazirani's attorney denies the allegations, and said he plans to conduct his own investigation.

Three people died, including a child, in one of Vazirani's homes on Christmas Eve, 2011, when the unit caught fire.

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Reporter: Lisa Rantala
Web Producer: Ken HinesPreviously Convicted Landlord Back in Court