Minneapolis landlord found guilty of perjury for lying about number of rentals in his building
Minneapolis landlord Stephen Frenz arrives in court Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A jury found Minneapolis landlord Stephen Frenz guilty of felony perjury Friday for lying about the number of rentals in his building to avoid making urgent fixes for other tenants.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman had accused him of lying under oath when his tenants took him to court several years ago. The tenants alleged issues with mold, rodents and heating issues inside an apartment building he owns on 14th Avenue South.
Frenz' legal team has said they will appeal the verdict, arguing the judge made several errors in the case.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman warmly greeted a long-time Stephen Frenz tenant after the guilty verdict on Friday. Both left the courthouse satisfied, telling FOX 9 that justice was served.
“This case is about the tenants that he cheated and he had horrible places,” said Freeman. “This is about the system of justice. We all have to tell the truth. That’s what this is about.”
“I’ll be more happy when me and my neighbors understand what’s going to happen with us,” said tenant Chloe Jackson. “Because we’re all over the place and don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
Frenz will be sentenced on Dec. 20. He will remain out of custody until then. With no criminal record, he is likely looking at probation with jail time stayed.