Summerlin hoarder gets bail

Bail was set at $15,000 cash Monday for Sun City Summerlin resident Kenneth Epstein, a hoarder charged Friday with six misdemeanors related to conditions at his home.

Assistant City Attorney Ben Little argued for $25,000 bond, citing Epstein's 1977 conviction in New York for reckless endangerment, which he described as "a crime of violence."

He reviewed the filthy conditions in the house, which included biological and structural hazards, dozens of live and dead cats and the fact that an unregistered handgun was found in the home.

Little said a psychiatrist had found Epstein, 55, competent to stand trial. City Attorney Brad Jerbic said the psychiatrist thinks Epstein will resist therapy.

Little said Epstein's family is concerned that if he is released, he will return to his Gold Bank Drive home, which is being cleaned and fumigated.

Epstein's attorney, Kristina Wildeveld, said detention officers had not allowed her to interview him over the weekend. She asked he be released on his own recognizance or low bail. She said that she wants to arrange another evaluation and that he is not a danger to the community.

Family members, who encouraged Epstein's arrest last week, are trying to arrange a guardianship and may provide housing if he is released, Wildeveld said.

Las Vegas Municipal Judge Heidi Almase set bail at $15,000, ordering Epstein to stay more than 100 feet from the duplex if released. Nor can he possess a firearm or keep pets.