Handyman Offers Squatter Removal Services

Flash Shelton, a handyman with experience removing squatters from his mother’s California home, is now extending his services to help others in need.

A squatter wreaked havoc on the lives of a Louisiana couple by repeatedly breaking into their home and attempting to sell it, according to one of the homeowners who spoke to Fox News.

Richard and Kristen Craven first noticed the presence of illegal occupants in their Louisiana home in April. One of the alleged squatters, Joseph Guerin, was arrested for unauthorized entry. However, after Guerin’s release, the homeowners were shocked to find out that he had returned and even put the house up for sale with a sign in the yard, as reported by WBRZ.

“It has destroyed our lives,” Richard told Fox News. “It’s insane. I’m emotionally drained.”

The Cravens had inherited the Baton Rouge property following the passing of Kristen’s parents. Their plan was to renovate the house and put it on the market, but squatters took over in April and left it in a state of disarray, according to WBRZ.

Squatters have been increasingly moving into homes across the country, often claiming the property as their own. In this case, the same Louisiana squatter had broken into multiple U.S. homes.

The Homeowners’ Struggle

The Cravens became suspicious when they drove by their property and saw a dumpster in the driveway. Richard decided to keep an eye on the situation and observed people coming and going from the house. Their concerns escalated when Guerin listed the home online for $225,000, as reported by WBRZ.

When the Cravens contacted the police, officers initially dismissed their concerns, considering it a civil matter since the squatters possessed documents claiming ownership. However, eventually, the squatters were arrested, and Guerin, who was already out on bond for similar charges, was sent to jail.

Across the country, homeowners have faced similar challenges with squatters, leading to costly legal battles and expensive repairs. In August, a large Hollywood home was left in ruins by alleged squatters, according to a report by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The Shocking Discovery

Once the Cravens regained access to their home, they were met with a shocking sight. Their furniture, appliances, and walls had all been painted, and there were holes in the walls. Drug paraphernalia and empty liquor bottles were scattered inside, and Guerin had changed the locks and utilities to be in his name, as reported by WBRZ.

“He was selling drugs out of it. I mean, this is crazy,” Richard told Fox News. “The house is getting destroyed.”

The Persistence of the Squatter

Over four months later, Guerin returned to the home. He approached a nearby realtor to sell the property, but when questioned, he indicated he would try to sell it for cash instead, according to Richard.

“He ain’t squatting in the house to try to keep the house and live in it,” Richard told Fox News. “He’s looking for money.”

The police warned the Cravens that they would be arrested if they attempted to re-enter the home. Officers claimed that Guerin possessed documents allowing him to stay.

“I’m not going to let a criminal bust in the house and take control,” Richard asserted. “It’s just as simple as that. So it’s more than getting control.”

“He’s going,” he added. “He’s going to go.”

As of now, neither Guerin nor the Baton Rouge Police Department has responded to requests for comment from Fox News.