Corruption claims emerge in St. Louis Building Division

ST. LOUIS – Just days after a city building inspector resigned amid a federal investigation, allegations of corruption continue to shake the St. Louis City Building Division. Now, a former tenant is coming forward with new allegations.

Chris Sanchez, a former tenant of Alma Avenue, moved into the property in November 2023. He claims the house had no valid occupancy permit, and the inspector overlooked several violations.

According to Sanchez, the property was riddled with 48 lead paint violations and over a dozen code infractions. He says the inspection conducted in March lasted five minutes and the inspector refused to identify himself.

“It was a nightmare. I was embarrassed to have friends over. There’s no heat. I’m dropping $1,700 in rent in Holly Hills neighborhood, and I’m squatting in a house,” Sanchez said.

He also claims his complaints to the Citizens Service Bureau were altered to “closed” or “request created in error.”

“I’ve contacted the building owner, Ed Ware, and he sent an inspector out to condemn the property. And that inspector put another inspector’s name on the paperwork to hide the fact that they’re related,” he said.

Immediately after allegedly not having heat between January and April, Sanchez moved out after withholding rent due to unresolved issues.

Building Commissioner Ed Ware gave the following statement:

"Representatives with the City of St. Louis' Building Division conducted three separate visits to inspect Sanchez's complaints and found the claims to be unfounded.”

Mayor Tishaura Jones contacted the state auditor Dec. 16 for an external audit of the building department, as well as requested to open an investigation on the department.