The Spokane Transit Authority (STA) has purchased two properties for $1.46 million from Arlin Jordin, a landlord convicted of rape who is currently serving a prison sentence. The transactions involve properties on W. Boone Avenue, part of a larger acquisition by STA from Jordin totaling $2.88 million for three properties.
Jordin, 79, was convicted in 2006 of second-degree rape and indecent liberties after drugging and assaulting a prospective tenant. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and began serving his time in 2007. He has remained incarcerated, though the exact reasons are not specified.
Despite his incarceration, Jordin has continued to own and manage properties. In 2024, a property management company operating Jordin's apartments agreed to pay $300,000 following an admission of COVID-19 relief fraud.
STA spokeswoman Carly Cortright stated that the agency had been interested in the properties for an extended period. "We will be demolishing those properties within the next few months," Cortright said, adding that STA intends to build a new administrative building on the site. The location is across the street from an existing bus barn.
Cortright indicated that the STA was not deterred by the seller's conviction. "Arlin, for the longest time, was not interested in selling those properties to us," she explained. "It’s land we coveted, and he just happened to be the owner."
The transit authority also assisted the tenants of the buildings, working with a relocator to ensure they had new housing before the purchase was finalized.
STA is a regional agency funded primarily through sales taxes and transit fares, with additional support from state and federal governments. A spokesperson for the City of Spokane clarified that STA operates independently of the city government.