Photo Courtesy of Melea King / Facebook
A Maryland realtor finally got a family of squatters evicted from a home meant for her clients.
Melea King fought for three weeks to get squatters removed from a vacant home in Clinton, Maryland, but the reportedly illegal tenants refused to vacate the premises. After getting the police involved, bringing her issue to the media eye and hiring Prince George’s County State Attorney Aisha Braveboy, the squatters were evicted.
The incident occurred in October after King’s clients, a couple, signed their contract with the bank and made the proper deposits. According to the Atlanta Black Star, the wife drove to the home to jot down measurements for renovations. However, she was surprised to see a U-Haul truck in her drive.
“She immediately called me, and I call the listing agent, who ensured us that the bank had the paperwork and everything was finalized,” King said.
WUSA reported that King called authorities and Prince George’s County police showed up at the property where the two men living in the establishment showed the officer their rental lease. The officer informed the squatters that the lease seemed fake and asked them to vacate the property. They refused to leave and placed a “No Trespassing” sign on their lawn the next day.
Braveboy launched an investigation on the lease and discovered it was fraudulent. The men were given the option to either stay on the premise and go to jail or leave, causing them to choose the least problematic option.
Despite the victory, the couple no longer wanted the house and canceled the deal. Eventually, someone else became interested and closed on the house on Nov. 10.
“As a realtor, it’s my duty to fight for my client,” King said. “I was persistent. I was not giving up. I stayed in contact with the state’s attorney’s office. I stayed in contact with the police department for them to really press on this thing to really get my clients that property,”