By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) — A Montgomery County judge has found a builder not guilty of more than two dozen counts of endangerment and risking a catastrophe related to a condemned condominium complex he built in Norristown.

Judge William Carpenter ruled that prosecutors did not meet their burden of proof in the case against Bruce Fazio, accused of lining his own pockets by intentionally cut corners on the construction project.

During a five day trial, prosecutors argued the four-story “Rittenhouse Club” building at 770 Sandy Street in Norristown had numerous structural issues and put lives at risk before the condo owners were evicted two years ago (see previous story).

Defense attorney Leigh Narducci says the inspections and approvals given by the borough isolated his client from criminal liability, “because the Commonwealth had to show a certain degree of reckless conduct. And I don’t think that was present when a tradesman relies on the inspections of others who are supposed to know better.”

(Bruce Fazio. Facebook photo)

Fazio (right) was convicted of theft charges related to an illegal swap of properties with one of the condo owners. He’s free on bail while awaiting sentencing for that crime.

Ryan Schofield, who owns one of the condo units, says repairs are being made but at this point they don’t know when they’ll be allowed back in the building.