The California Coastal Commission slapped the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers with a violation notice for allegedly stealing sand from a public beach in Malibu.

Mark Attanasio’s neighbor sued him after catching his contractors using excavators to take sand from Broad Beach to use for a home construction project. The neighbor’s attorney, Tim McGinity, told KNX News’ Karen Adams the violation notice has given their lawsuit credibility.

“We’re happy that the Coastal Commission is sort of echoing what we are also trying to do, and we’re encouraged with the actions that they’ve taken thus far,” he said.

The Coastal Commission said Attanasio knew he was violating the Coastal Act by taking the sand, because they sent him a notice for similar conduct in 2008.

“That is something we did not know before we filed our lawsuit, but I think it certainly goes to, you know, this is a pattern and practice of treating the beach as a personal sandbox,” McGinity said.

McGinity said his client’s objectives are to stop Attansio from taking any more sand from the beach and to repair the damage that’s already been done.

Attanasio has until Oct. 7 to resolve the notice or face a fine.