Squatters Living In $500,000 House For Five Months Finally Arrested After Making Huge Mistake
A video shows police handcuffing the people outside the property.
Suspected squatters made a huge mistake that led to their discovery in a mansion valued at half a million dollars.
On December 25, 2023, police in Georgia arrested six individuals who apparently had taken over a property they claimed as their own.
A local resident captured a video showing police officers as they handcuffed the alleged squatters outside 4300 Caveat Court.
They were seated right on the sidewalk next to the house.
The house, which is listed on Zillow at an estimated value of $518,400, was reportedly unoccupied, according to the authorities
Kendra Snorton, the Vice President of the Hampton Oaks Homeowners Association, commented to Fox 5 Atlanta, saying:
“The ringleader, we see him walking his dog all the time. He’s very courteous and polite when he interacts with the community.”
The break that led South Fulton police to the trespassers came when they allegedly stole a car belonging to a neighbor who was away.
Mel Keyton, President of the Hampton Oaks Homeowners Association, explained to Atlanta News First:
“Squatters stole her car and they brought it back over here to drive it in the driveway. When the police showed up, the car was behind us in the yard.
“That’s how we put two and two together. We don’t know who these people are and what they are doing.”
The South Fulton Police Department shared with the Daily Mail that the car was returned to its rightful owner.
They expressed their gratitude, stating: “We sincerely appreciate the vigilance of our community members, who play a vital role in our ongoing efforts to reduce crime in our city.”
Local residents are hopeful that new legislation will prevent future squatting incidents and make it easier to handle such situations without needing a crime to occur first.
Last month, Governor Brian Kemp signed what is known as the Georgia Squatter Reform Act.
This new law defines squatting as ‘entering and residing on the land or premises of the owner without consent’.
Under this law, anyone accused of squatting must produce documents proving their right to be there within three days, or they will be arrested for criminal trespassing.
Should the documents be provided, the accused will then have to appear in a magistrate’s court within seven days to verify their authenticity.
Failure to prove legitimacy could lead to a fine of $1,000, up to one year in jail, or in some cases, both penalties might apply.
