Maple Ridge landlord charged with uttering threats
A well-known Maple Ridge landlord is facing criminal charges for threatening a woman.
Jagdev Singh Athwal was charged Friday with one count each of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and criminal harassment.
He is set to make a first appearance on both counts on Monday.
According to court records, the threats were made May 1 and July 6.
Athwal, who goes by the name ‘Jack,’ denies harassing anyone and claims he’s been targeted by disgruntled tenants, who he recently evicted.
“The tenants will do anything,” said Athwal, 71. “It’s revenge.”
Athwal was charged in August with counselling a person to commit murder. Police say the new charges are not connected to the murder plot.
Athwal is accused of asking a former tenant to kill a man who managed Gordon Towers, a high-rise in downtown Maple Ridge where he owns six apartments.
Ridge Meadows RCMP were unable to release more information about the new charges because the matter is before the courts.
Athwal owns around 30 rental units in Maple Ridge and was the former owner of Northumberland Court, a drug-and-crime-ridden townhouse complex that has since been demolished.
He expects the charge of counselling to commit murder will be dropped.
“The complaint was made after I gave him notice to move out,” said Athwal.
“I pay taxes. I am a hard-worker and I am being charged. I create business and generate business and give shelter to the poor people.”
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