A former landlord at the center of a KMBC 9 News investigation that uncovered horrific living conditions at apartment complexes in Kansas City is back in the United States after extradition to face two federal fraud charges.Michael Fein, former owner and vice president of TEH Management, has remained in Israel for nearly six years after a St. Louis federal grand jury indicted him in 2020.The grand jury indicted Fein on two felony charges of wire fraud and bank fraud. Fein committed the fraud, according to the federal indictment, through bank loans made to TEH Realty connected to the purchase and operations of various multi-family apartment complexes in St. Louis, Kansas City, and elsewhere.Fein fought extradition in Israel for years. But multiple Israeli justice officials, including the Supreme Court of Israel, agreed with the United States’ request for extradition. Last week, U.S. Marshals and medics traveled to Tel Aviv to bring Fein back to St. Louis.“These very serious charges,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith. “They involve tens and tens of millions of dollars in alleged fraud. And he should face the charges.”Fein’s investment interests and management of TEH properties across the Midwest came under fire from local, state, and federal officials since TEH properties received multiple tax breaks, at least $600,000 in federal housing contracts, and foreclosure proceedings from federal mortgage backer Fannie Mae in the Kansas City area.In 2020, residents at TEH properties complained they lacked heat, air-conditioning, pest control, mold remediation, and trash pickup. Residents also told KMBC 9 News about abnormally high eviction rates while rent payments go missing. The complaints eventually led to calls for federal investigations from U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley.Former TEH Realty tenant Tannett Washington lived at the Ruskin Place apartments, 11418 Blue Ridge Blvd. Washington joined a class-action lawsuit of tenants at Ruskin Place after her oven exploded as she tried to keep her apartment warm.After KMBC 9 News told her about Fein’s arrest, she shouted with joy. “You can run, but you can’t hide,” Washington said.Attorneys with the law firm of Gregory Leyh, P.C., represented a class of tenants who sued six defendants seeking to satisfy a $62 million judgment.When Michael Fein fled the country, and his affiliate companies refused to pay, attorneys with Gregory Leyh, P.C. went after Fein’s apartment insurance companies.“He has really been on a mission to avoid any accountability,” Greg Leyh told KMBC 9 News on Tuesday. “He’s been stalling for six years, and I’m happy that he’s back. And we’ll let the process take its course.”An email to Fein’s St. Louis-based attorney went unreturned on Tuesday. His next court hearing is July 6.If you have any tips about this story, email investigates@kmbc.com.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

A former landlord at the center of a KMBC 9 News investigation that uncovered horrific living conditions at apartment complexes in Kansas City is back in the United States after extradition to face two federal fraud charges.

Michael Fein, former owner and vice president of TEH Management, has remained in Israel for nearly six years after a St. Louis federal grand jury indicted him in 2020.

The grand jury indicted Fein on two felony charges of wire fraud and bank fraud. Fein committed the fraud, according to the federal indictment, through bank loans made to TEH Realty connected to the purchase and operations of various multi-family apartment complexes in St. Louis, Kansas City, and elsewhere.

Fein fought extradition in Israel for years. But multiple Israeli justice officials, including the Supreme Court of Israel, agreed with the United States’ request for extradition. Last week, U.S. Marshals and medics traveled to Tel Aviv to bring Fein back to St. Louis.

“These very serious charges,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith. “They involve tens and tens of millions of dollars in alleged fraud. And he should face the charges.”

Fein’s investment interests and management of TEH properties across the Midwest came under fire from local, state, and federal officials since TEH properties received multiple tax breaks, at least $600,000 in federal housing contracts, and foreclosure proceedings from federal mortgage backer Fannie Mae in the Kansas City area.

In 2020, residents at TEH properties complained they lacked heat, air-conditioning, pest control, mold remediation, and trash pickup. Residents also told KMBC 9 News about abnormally high eviction rates while rent payments go missing. The complaints eventually led to calls for federal investigations from U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley.

Former TEH Realty tenant Tannett Washington lived at the Ruskin Place apartments, 11418 Blue Ridge Blvd. Washington joined a class-action lawsuit of tenants at Ruskin Place after her oven exploded as she tried to keep her apartment warm.

After KMBC 9 News told her about Fein’s arrest, she shouted with joy.

“You can run, but you can’t hide,” Washington said.

Attorneys with the law firm of Gregory Leyh, P.C., represented a class of tenants who sued six defendants seeking to satisfy a $62 million judgment.

When Michael Fein fled the country, and his affiliate companies refused to pay, attorneys with Gregory Leyh, P.C. went after Fein’s apartment insurance companies.

“He has really been on a mission to avoid any accountability,” Greg Leyh told KMBC 9 News on Tuesday. “He’s been stalling for six years, and I’m happy that he’s back. And we’ll let the process take its course.”

An email to Fein’s St. Louis-based attorney went unreturned on Tuesday. His next court hearing is July 6.

If you have any tips about this story, email investigates@kmbc.com.