A bad report card from city inspectors could cost a landlord big money. That might be the motive behind a forged city document sent to a title company.

The document failed inspection and now it's become a criminal case.

The Safari has been deserted since November when city inspectors found numerous code violations and ordered tenants to leave. The danger signs remain but a title company received an all-clear letter with the signature of Omaha's chief code enforcer, Kevin Denker.

Denker says, "My signature on a document, upon closer examination is obviously a fake and forgery."

The building with 21 apartments might be up for sale or refinancing but code violations stand in the way. So a title company asked Chief Inspector Kevin Denker for a clearer copy of an official looking letter that problems have been repaired and violations remedied.

Denker says the letter in question, "portrayed that this property was 100 percent done and in compliance, is safe, when in actuality there's still issues that need to be resolved."

Denker is not only concerned about discovering a counterfeit government document but also about public safety.

The report clearing the apartment building of violations has clearly been doctored. Among the red flags: the area inspector's name is always signed Mike Johnson. The counterfeit has Michael Johnson.

Omaha's city prosecutor, Marty Conboy, says the author of the phony inspection report will be charged with four misdemeanor crimes. A conviction on all would bring a maximum sentence of three years in jail and $2,000 fine.

Conboy says, "We do want people to rely on those who say they work for the government to take them on face value. You shouldn't have to investigate every time some tells you they're an inspector."

Denker believes a photocopy of his signature has been cut and pasted on the letter stating the apartment building passed inspection.

Six on Your Side has left a message at the office of the property manager. We were told he is out of town but we asked if he could be contacted for a comment on the counterfeit inspection report. As of Thursday night, there had been no response.