Pini arrest disputed by attorney

The attorney for controversial property owner Dario Pini, says Pini “did not steal anything.” Josh Lynn is questioning the circumstances of Pini’s arrest by police near a vacant home on Carrillo Street last week.

“In a press release, they call him a thief,” said Lynn.

Pini has been the focus of city enforcement efforts for code violation issues and was recently denied an approval for a westside property development at a City Council hearing until other conflicts with city regulations are cleared up.

For years, Pini has been the owner of many apartments and homes in Santa Barbara.

Last week, police arrested Pini after an investigation that began with a resident on Carrillo Street claiming Pini was removing items from a vacant home under reconstruction at that location. Police say they were told by a neighbor near the home Pini was stealing copper tubing, water heater pipe fittings and coaxial cable.

Lynn says, “I think they are gravely mistaken. I hope they rectify this before we go to court.”

Pini has been charged with a felony burglary. He is expected back in court on
April 16.