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Seven Staten Island business owners were arrested as part of a citywide sweep of fire code violators who failed to respond to the allegations in court, officials said.
There was William Karpeles, a nightclub owner charged with overcrowding, Sammy Ali, a deli owner who allegedly gave a false name to a fire inspector, and Sara Wijecekerakankanam, the gas station owner charged with dispensing fuel without a permit.
All in all, 102 people were arrested and $8,325 in fines were issued in the last two weeks, officials said.
The joint sweep between the Department of Investigation and FDNY is part of a larger effort to catch people who ignore criminal summonses for fire violations, officials said. Since July 2007, officials have arrested 335 people and issued fines totaling $90,400.
On Staten Island, arrests took place at seven businesses: Auto Pro Collision in Grasmere, Club Hush in Tottenville, Midland Motor Inn in Midland Beach, Food Market in Port Richmond, Mobil Gas in Port Richmond, Getty Gas in Sunnyside and Scotty's Movers in Stapleton.
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said in a statement: "Failure to comply with fire and building codes not only endangers the public, but can also pose serious dangers for firefighters called to respond to emergencies in these buildings. This ongoing initiative with DOI demonstrates that when it comes to building safety in New York City, we mean business."
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