While a soldier is serving in Afghanistan, the squatters are now taking over his home and even refuse to leave!
In New Port Richey, Florida, there lived a dedicated soldier named Army Specialist Michael Sharkey. Michael was devoted to his service, and his duty called him to far-off Hawaii for two long years. Little did he know, however, that while he was away protecting his country, his own home was under siege.
Back in Florida, a mischievous couple, Julio Ortiz and Fatima Cardosa, had discovered Michael’s empty abode. Without a care for the law or the consequences, they settled in, believing they had found a free home. They relished the shelter, confident that they had outsmarted the system.
But, as fate would have it, their misguided adventure was not to last. One day, they heard an unfamiliar noise outside the front door. No one knocked, but there was a presence, a sense of impending doom. When they peered through the window, their hearts sank at the sight of police officers, a force far more formidable than they had ever imagined.
The squatters’ dream of a free home crumbled as the officers made it clear that they were going nowhere. If they didn’t vacate Michael’s home, they would be arrested and charged with unauthorized use of the property, potentially even facing prison time.
“They are criminals,” Michael lamented in an interview with WFLA. “I am serving my country, and they have more rights to my home than I do.”
Julio and Fatima had a story, of course. They claimed that a friend of Michael’s had granted them permission to live there, as long as they made repairs and maintained the house. But this was a flimsy excuse, and it didn’t hold up under scrutiny.
In response, Michael’s attorney took action, filing an unlawful detainer lawsuit. Under Florida law, this meant that the squatters had to vacate the premises within 24 hours of being served the court documents. With their backs against the wall, Julio and Fatima had no choice but to leave not only Michael’s home but also the state of Florida.
Michael ultimately took comfort in the assistance of the American military, who saw to it that his house was quickly returned to him. As a result of the joint efforts of law enforcement and the military, the squatters recognized the seriousness of their error and departed the land.
This story should serve as a warning that no matter who you are or where you work, seizing someone else’s home is never acceptable, Michael was lucky to have the backing of the American troops and police officers, who ensured that justice was done. Never be afraid to call 911 or speak with your local police enforcement if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. Let’s all join together to make sure that no one’s house is ever removed without their consent, especially the heroic members of our armed forces who give so much more than simply a place to call home.
WATCH the video below for more details: