A man was charged by the police with breaking into a Mason house and taking some of the owner’s belongings.
The owner told the police that an acquaintance who happened to drive by the house was the only person who alerted her about it.
The 87-year-old woman who moved to Florida owns the house.
She reported that individuals were coming and going from her empty house to 911 on September 17.
Ladarrius Gaston, 39, the defendant, was charged with burglary, criminal damage, and possession of criminal instruments.
A squatter allegedly brought in a dumpster to remove the homeowner’s possessions when they opened up shop.
The entire loss was assessed by the police to be above $10,000.
No one should be entering and leaving the residence, explained homeowner Lois Carrier.
Carrier informed the dispatcher that she was in Florida and didn’t know who was at the residence, so she couldn’t go there immediately.
Neighbor Robert Duchemin said it was strange to see someone there after months of it being deserted, but he was unconcerned because it seemed like people were there.
“I assumed they had moved or sold it because I didn’t see a for sale or rent sign and the grass had been long all summer before he moved in,” Duchemin said.
Even after the container was removed, Duchemin reported discovering bags of trash along the curb.
He switched on the lights and propped the door open one day while he was throwing things out. “I recall that,” he remarked.
According to property lawyer Thomas Hodges, squatters in Ohio can be entitled to some rights if they were initially granted permission to reside there, either by the owner or another property owner.
But in this instance, it seems that this person is just an ordinary crook. “With no originating authority, he simply broke into a house and attempted to exercise dominion over it and claim it as his,” Hodges said.
He claimed that there is a fundamental rule.
Make sure you have a local person who can take care of your property if you plan to be away for a long time or even a short time, as we have observed, Hodges advised.
On Thursday afternoon, Local 12 called the homeowner multiple times but never got a response.
It is unknown how long the squatter had been residing there, but she found out about him in September.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.