The Augusta University professor cited for operating an events venue in a posh Columbia County subdivision is appealing the case to Superior Court.
Gursimran Walia, the associate dean of academic affairs in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, continues to host events in the $1.5 million home, according to photos neighbors recently sent to law enforcement and The Augusta Press.
He filed the petition for review last week of the judgment entered by Columbia County Chief Magistrate Jason Troiano Sept. 7.
Troiano sentenced Walia to six months’ probation and a $1,000 fine for failing to obtain a business license required to operate a business.
He gave Walia another year’s probation and $5,000 fine for five counts of violating the county zoning ordinance, which bans event venues in residential zones.
Troiano based the judgment on photos and testimony by neighbors and county code enforcement officials, who cited Walia for violating local ordinances.
Like his neighbors, Walia was permitted to proceed with a 2024 Masters Week rental agreement, but was prohibited from hosting other events with more than 25 people under the terms of his probation.
Coupled with surcharges, he paid the county $8,220, according to a court document.
Attorney for Walia, Jeffrey Peil, is expected to file an amended petition for review by the court, but touched on some of the same arguments he made in Magistrate Court in the new preliminary petition.
Those included that the restrictions being placed on Walia’s use of his house are over-broad and being selectively applied, and that evidence against him was insufficient.
While the Magistrate Court case was pending, the Barrington Owners Association also filed a pending civil suit against Walia.
Peil and association representatives declined to comment on the appeal.
The civil suit contends Walia’s activities at the house break the neighborhood association’s covenants against renting the house for large parties or hosting excessive airbnb rentals.
Both cases are assigned to Columbia County Chief Superior Court Judge James G. Blanchard Jr.
