Don't Reach in Your Pocket, Again -- I've got the Police on the Phone!

Yes, that's exactly what I said to the ex-felon who had squatted in one of my REOs, set to close in a week. He was one of the Wall Street Occupiers planted in Reno.

I received a tip from a property preservation company's plumber that there was someone living in this upscale property. This guy had taken down my real estate sign, my postings, and had the door locks changed on the house. He had a phoney rental agreement, and as it turned out he was indeed an ex-felon who did prison time in California.

As I was on my way to the house, I called my field staff and asked them to meet me at the location. They weren't there when I arrived, and after getting the police on the phone I pranched up to the front door. Remember, I was an undercover cop years ago. My adrenaline was ramped up and I was ready for the encounter...and, of course, with the police on the phone.

Three hours later the squatter and his belongings were removed, he was cited, and my locksmith was re-keying the door. Curiously, I found a couple of fliers at the property: one was advertising "Bank Transfer Day" (sponsored by "Occupyreno") urging people to transfer money out of the big banks, and into local banks and credit unions. Another flyer was an AFL-CIO flyer "America Wants to Work" promoting a "Good Jobs and Safe Bridges" Rally.

There are a lot of things people are entitled to in America, and we support so many causes and charities, but illegally re-keying a home that's not yours, creating a false rental agreement, and squatting in a property owned by another (to which you have no legal right) IS NOT AN ENTITLEMENT...and is offensive!

P.S. The house was also full of furniture, spray painted with "Reno Occupy" -- that I wil have to pay to be removed...also offensive!