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Will L.A. Collect $72 Million from its Top Debtor? 'It's Questionable'
Photo by Here in Van Nuys via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
At a meeting of the L.A. City Council Budget panel on Monday, Councilman Bill Rosendahl enquired about the reality of ever seeing the $72 million in taxes owed from the city's top debtor, Prestige Parking. What he heard back was not ideal.
In response, a city attorney was cautious in releasing too much optimism. "As to whether or not we can really look forward to any kind of significant compensation, it's questionable," he said, noting that Sohrab Sahab, owner of Prestige Parking, was charged in criminal court last August. "We can pursue [it] as best we can... Part of his restitution is that he had to turn over his records that we are auditing currently."
Rosendahl then asked if the city can take his parking lots to sell off as real estate. "We don't have that ability at this time," responded the attorney, who added they attempted to put a lien, but it's not working as Sahab is claiming poverty.
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