'Neighbor from Hell' gets probation, must pay restitution

Mitchell Igelko pleads no contest to criminal mischief, stalking

MIAMI – A Miami-Dade Circuit judge sentenced a man dubbed the "neighbor from Hell" to five years probation and to pay restitution to the neighbors who claimed he terrorized them.

"I'm very happy that it's all over and that I can move on with my life," said Mitchell Igelko, who on Thursday pleaded no contest to two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of stalking.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Nushin Sayfie also ordered that he wear a GPS monitor. Igelko will have three years to pay the restitution. The amount will be determined at a hearing next month.

"My job is not to do what you all want or to do what he wants but ultimately do what I think is just, what's legal, and what's going to protect the community," she said. "I can't imagine what you've all gone through and I imagine it's been terrifying. I have children -- I can't imagine feeling that sense of fear and powerlessness in your own home."

Those neighbors who claimed Igelko terrorized them called the sentence a slap on the wrist.

"He has torn apart our family and our life, and unfortunately, we can't get restitution or we can't get the law to protect him from himself and society," said Kelly DerHagopian. "All of his acts are of a retaliatory nature."

"I am afraid and we are scared that a tragedy is waiting to happen," added Francisco Torres.

Judge Mark K. Leban previously granted Torres a restraining order against Igelko after producing video Torres said showed Igelko egging his house, throwing nails onto his driveway, and killing his grass with chemicals. He also said neighbors suspected Igelko was behind several vehicles being doused with flammable liquids and a boat that was set on fire.