‘Hoarder’ Could Face Jail Time, Fines For Not Cleaning Up After Warnings

A hoarding situation in Norwich Township is not getting better despite a judge’s order, according to neighbors.

10TV learned on Tuesday that the prosecutor plans to file for contempt of court, meaning that homeowner Steve Lorenz could face fines and possibly jail time.

Court officials gave Lorenz a month – a month ago -- to clean up the area around his home.

Franklin County zoning and public health inspectors combed over the property in question on Tuesday. They took pictures and documented what was left.

“Originally, it was just all back here and then it started so much, he had to move it out to the front and stack it underneath the awnings there. He would put it in his vehicles he has out there,” said Bill Meyer. “He’s just moving and pushing stuff and packing it closer together.”

Lorenz slammed the door when asked by 10TV News to tell his side of the story.

“It's embarrassing for the neighbors. He should be ashamed,” said neighbor, Annie Jolley.

Some residents in the neighborhood told 10TV News that the property is an eyesore when they look out their window and see the mess.

Others said the problem is much more than just a bad view.

“Well, you think of rats. You think of property values going down. You think of bugs and what it's passing onto the neighbors houses,” said Jolley.

Meyer said that mice have been seen throughout the neighborhood.

“I’ve been picking up five to six mice out of my, dead mice, out of my yard. Our 93-year- old neighbor's been finding mice in their yard, numerous times,” said Meyer. “My dog's been skunked four times now.”

Like most neighbors we spoke with, Meyer said there has never been any ill will between him and the Lorenz family.

But there is resentment toward the continual clutter and the problems it attracts.

“Take care of your problem and don't make your problem everybody else's problem which is what he's doing right now to all the neighbors here in this neighborhood,” added Meyer.

He hopes it is a message that his neighbor will finally hear.

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