People v. Koeppel

OPINION OF THE COURT

Bonnie G. Wittner, J.

Defendant William Koeppel is the owner and manager of several rent-stabilized apartment buildings in Manhattan. He is indicted for one count of rent gouging in the first degree (Penal Law § 180.57). That statute provides: "A person is guilty of rent gouging in the first degree when, in the course of a scheme constituting a systematic ongoing course of conduct in connection with the leasing, rental or use of three or more apartment units, the rental price of which is regulated pursuant to the provisions of federal, state or local law, he solicits,…