TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1999

Zagustin troubles continue

By Suzanne Johnson

On-Line Forty-Niner

Cal State Long Beach professor Elena Zagustin appears to be complying with court orders to clean up her Huntington Harbor home - now that the home may no longer be hers.

In a strange twist of events, Superior Court Judge Ted Millard temporarily ordered the sale of Zagustin's residence on Thursday in order to pay approximately $350,000 her neighbors won against her in civil judgments.

Last month, Zagustin was convicted of 69 building, health and safety code violations. Her sentence included three years' probation, a $200 fine and mandatory psychiatric counseling.

On Jan. 22, Superior Court Judge Robert Gallivan commended Zagustin for her progress.

"Congratulations on your efforts to resolve the matter and bring the property into compliance," Gallivan said. "If you continue to comply the way you have, I see no need to jail you."

Zagustin's neighbors were prevented from collecting their reward after she moved her assets out of state and into trusts, as reported by the Orange County Register.

Millard set the value of Zagustin's home at $300,000. She would retain $50,000 from the sale while the rest would be distributed to her neighbors and used to pay court fees.

During Thursday's proceedings, Zagustin once again attempted to dismiss the judge presiding over her case by claiming Millard possessed a conflict of interest.

Millard dismissed Zagustin's arguments, held her in contempt of court and ordered her to pay a $1000 fine and serve five days in jail beginning February 10.