THe current owner of my apt complex says he will not give me my deposit back because I gave it to the original owner and he is not responsible. Is this correct?

Wrong. When he purchased the complex, the previous owner should have turned over all deposits to him. If he did not get them, that's his fault. He can sue the previous owner for them. But he assumed the responsibility when he purchased the complex.

At the top of this forum is a sticky that lists state laws. Find your state and check on the law about returning security deposits. Often there are double or treble damages allowed is the deposit is not returned on a timely basis. Cite the law to the landlord.