Can anyone be above the law?:
It seems like it, but NO.  No one is above the law.  If he is a landlord, report him to the Better Business Bureau, and the city for code violations.  

If he does have the cops and law enforcement in his pocket (that is shameful!) there is not too much you can do.  I would recommend staying away from him if at all possible.

A BETTER IDEA: contact your local news agency.  Expose him on national TV!  They love to expose people like this.  It's good for their ratings and it would cause him to stop (hopefully) or at least lose his business licence, etc.

Edit : My husband says to contact HUD and FBI.  You'll need documentation of your claims.