HOA Hall of Shame member targeted at hearing
-
Joe Bitsky, who has been featured in Contact 13's HOA Hall of Shame, is now being questioned about his mismanagement of HOA funds. Video by ktnv.com
video
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Homeowner association board member Joe Bitsky is accused of using his HOA as his personal piggy bank.
On Aug. 15, Bitsky was front and center at a state hearing.
Bitsky has had many opportunities to show off his colorful and often volatile personality.
It was two years ago when four residents of the Autumn Chase HOA filed a complaint with the Nevada Real Estate Division accusing their board of multiple violations of state law.
The state has now accused Bitsky and his wife Barbara of failing to act in the best interests of the association for reasons of self-interest, gain and revenge.
State records show that Bitsky got a credit card in the HOA's name in 2003. Based on the homeowners' complaint, the state examined records from December 2006 to 2010 and found that in that period, the Bitsky's "used the association's credit card approximately 137 times to enrich themselves."
The total amount that the state attributes to the Bitsky's "willful and intentional misuse of the association's credit card" is $8,655.59.
During yesterday's hearing, Bitsky claimed he was using HOA money to join adult social networking sites in order to find homeowners who have abandoned their houses. He also claimed that they reimbursed many of the other expenses but the state says that there is no financial records to back up his claims.
Amie Jo Dinsio was the first home owner to testify at the hearing. Dinsio's recording of an HOA meeting where Bitsky locked all the residents inside his home led a North Las Vegas judge to find him guilty of coercion.
Bitsky was required to pay a $1,300 fine and attend anger management classes.
Bitsky was all smiles at yesterday's hearing and says that he plans to stay on the HOA board.
The Nevada Real Estate Division is expected to resume the hearing in late September or October.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.