A judge rules in Monterey's favor in return of money spent on dilapidated apartment building.

The City of Monterey was granted part of the money it requested to reimburse costs related to a problematic apartment building owned in trust by Leslie J. Flores, who is currently serving a prison sentence for crimes unrelated to the building.

Monterey County Superior Court Judge Ian A. Rivamonte made the ruling on Monday, June 18. The city was asking for $183,833 to cover its legal and staff costs after the building was put into receivership in 2024. Rivamonte awarded the City $172,887.

The apartment complex on Larkin Street had been deteriorating, with tenants living there for a few years, when the City began condemning apartments in 2023. In 2024, city officials asked the court to assign a receiver to take over the complex and make repairs. The receiver recommended selling the property, but Flores, through his trusts and attorneys, challenged a sale.

The two sides reached an agreement on a rehabilitation plan to be completed over the next year.

Rivamonte further ordered that the City has the right to make additional requests for reimbursement until the termination of the receiver.

A status hearing to determine when the defendant, through a trust, will pay the reimbursement is set for June 23.