A Nassau police officer accused of illegally renting apartments appeared in court Thursday, but the man?s lawyer continues to deny his client owns the home at the center of the allegations.

Paul Fuina faces eight violations from the Town of Brookhaven. He is accused of owning a Mastic Beach home that neighbors call unsightly. Neighbors also say Fuina would collect rent from his tenants while carrying his gun and wearing his badge.

Court papers submitted include monthly rental receipts given to tenants living in the house. The signatures on the receipts read Paul Fuina, but attorney Michael Kaper denies his client?s ownership of the home.

The violations carry a maximum penalty of $2,000 each. The case is due back in court in three weeks.

An attorney for a landlords group says a lawsuit is planned against the Town of Brookhaven on behalf of Fuina. The group claims the town is improperly prosecuting him.