"She believes that since she bought the house this way, it isn't her responsibility," he said. "The county and city code says if you build or convert something, you need a permit. I get the feeling she felt if she stuck it out long enough we'd drop this -- but we won't because it's a public safety issue."
Last week Camargo was in court. The judge ordered her to pay a $3,000 fine, which she said she couldn't afford. She asked for the other option -- 30 days in jail.
"She insisted on jail time instead," Duzman said. "I went on record in front of the judge to say that the city did not recommend this."
The estimated cost of fixing the problem is $10,000. Camargo said she lives on Social Security and income from a reverse mortgage.
If the work is done by Jan. 12, the fine and threat of jail will be dropped.
"I don't think she should go to jail. She is an elderly woman," the prosecutor said. "I do believe, however, that she should be subject to the law just like everyone else."
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david.kelly@latimes.com
