COBB COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
A Kennesaw man accused of running an illegal group home out of his house has been given a reprieve.
On Thursday, Cobb County prosecutors agreed to give Kevin Weikum 60 days to get in compliance with zoning and business laws. Investigators said Weikum does not have the proper license or permits to operate a group home out of his house.
In court, Cobb County Magistrate Judge Joan Vaughan Bloom warned Weikum about breaking the law.
"Until you get permission, you can't do what you are doing," Bloom said. "It is a criminal case and the maximum penalty is 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine."
Weikum admits that he allows recovering addicts stay at his home while he helps them, and he told the judge he's no criminal.
"I have fulfilled all the requirements that were asked of me and nobody in zoning would sign the application so I can get either a certificate of occupancy or a business license. All I am waiting for is zoning to sign the application so I can get both of those documents," Weikum said.
But Bloom told Weikum the wheels of government turn slowly and he would have to wait or go to jail if he continues to run the facility out of his home. Some residents who have complained about Weikum's activity said they are disappointed with the judge's actions.
"I'm not sure the judge completely understands just how many people are living there and the chaos it is causing the community. It's not just a few of us, it is the whole community," said Sue Riles, who lives near Weikum.
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