Returning from a seven-month trip abroad, a Florida homeowner faced a shocking discovery: a squatter had taken up residence in his Ocala home. The property was in disarray, items were missing, and the homeowner was forced to take matters into his own hands, ultimately leading to the squatter's arrest.
Upon confronting the squatter, identified as Ze'Moye Brown, a dispute erupted over the home's ownership. The situation escalated when the homeowner fired a warning shot with his handgun to compel Brown to leave. Brown then fled the scene and contacted authorities, claiming he had been shot and asserting his ownership of the house.
Image: Suspected squatter Ze'Moye Brown (Marion County Sheriff's Office)
Following the incident, Brown was apprehended by the Marion County Sheriff's Office. A search revealed illegal substances, including methamphetamine and marijuana, leading to multiple charges against him. These included trespassing, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
Image: Marion County Sheriff's Office
Brown's narrative contradicted the homeowner's account. He claimed to have resided in the house for several months, finding it unlocked and seemingly abandoned. However, the homeowner was able to leverage a specific Florida statute that allows for the swift removal of squatters, avoiding a lengthy court battle. Brown is currently being held on a $4,000 bond.
This incident highlights the growing issue of squatting across the United States and the challenges homeowners face in reclaiming their properties. The Florida homeowner's successful use of this particular statute offers a potential solution for others facing similar situations.
