Police in South Fulton, Georgia, cracked down on a group of squatters who allegedly moved into a vacant home last Christmas.
FOX 5 in Atlanta The South Fulton Police Department reported that a group of people pulled up to a house on Cavito Court that was supposed to be vacant, then detained six people and recovered a stolen vehicle.
The home is located in Hampton Oaks, and the agency spoke to Kendra Snorton, vice president of the homeowners association, who claimed the group moved into the vacant home on Christmas Day.
“The ringleader is always seen walking his dog and is very courteous and courteous when dealing with the community,” Mr Snorton said.
If this state bill passes unanimously, squatters would be fired immediately.
Police in South Fulton, Georgia, have detained a squatter on suspicion of confining him in his home since Christmas 2023. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
HOA President Mel Keaton told police that members of the group broke into another home in the subdivision, stole a car and returned to the home where they had lived for months.
“The car was behind us in the yard when the police showed up, so we put two and two together,” Keaton said.
She also explained that squatters are frequenting the area, making it dangerous.
“They use our amenities. They roam the neighborhoods and break into homes,” she said.
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Police in South Fulton, Georgia, have detained a squatter on suspicion of confining him in his home since Christmas 2023. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
Ms Snorton also said she was concerned about not knowing who was living among them.
South Fulton is located approximately 32 miles southwest of Atlanta.
Last month, Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill making illegal occupancy a crime in Georgia.
In an interview with “Fox & Friends,” Kemp said that in addition to speeding up eviction proceedings, the Georgia Squatter Reform Act would allow property owners to pursue squatters and sue them for damages. he said.
Gov. Brian Kemp signs bill to criminalize squatting in Georgia: ‘This is madness’
Police in South Fulton, Georgia, have also recovered a stolen car from a man suspected of keeping squatters in his home since Christmas 2023. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
“Unfortunately, bad actors have figured out ways to take advantage of this and actually abuse the process that goes through local governments,” Kemp said. “So we’re going to pass a bill that we’re going to sign right after this interview to increase penalties, go after these people, and expedite the eviction process. But at the same time, we’re going to pass a bill that we’re going to sign right after this interview. Allow these people to pursue “squatters” seeking damages. ”
Governor Ron DeSantis. The Florida Republican Party also passed a bill in Florida in March that would abolish squatters’ rights.
A real estate agent previously told Fox News that squatters in Atlanta, Georgia, were selling appliances.
“The last incident I had, there were squatters there and they completely destroyed the place,” Kesha Shedow, a real estate agent and one of the squatter victims, said in February. told FOX News’ Lawrence Jones.
“Some people went to prison. They sold the appliances on the property and got paid for it. They sold the appliances, [there’s] There is feces everywhere, [they’re] These properties are staged on the market, so you can’t sleep on the bed. ”
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The real estate agent said any attempt to remove squatters from the properties they occupy is dangerous, adding that those squatting do so without fear.
Fox News Digital’s Hanna Panreck and Taylor Penley contributed to this report.
