POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. — Cobb County Police are investigating a possible squatter at a home in Powder Springs.
The home belonged to Brittany Peterson's father-in-law, Michael.
"He built this house from the ground up back in 1997," Brittany said. "So, he lived here and raised five children here over the course of almost 30 years."
Michael passed away in June 2023. His family made the tough decision to allow his house on Goldenwood Court to foreclose. It was posted on Zillow.
As the family worked to move on, Brittany said someone else moved in.
"About a week ago, a man showed up at the home with a U-Haul," Brittany said.
The home is listed for $600,000.
"He broke into the back door and changed the lock," Brittany.
Feeling violated, the family and neighbors called the police.
A spokesperson for Cobb County Police shared this statement:
"On the evening of April 16, 2024, uniformed officers of the Cobb County Police Department responded to 655 Goldenwood Court on report of a possible squatter at that location. This was in response to a 911 caller finding it was suspicious that a U-Haul truck was on the premises after knowing that the owner of the home was deceased. Officers met with the male who was at the home. The officers also met with the son of the deceased who came to the location.
"This investigation has been forwarded to our Criminal Investigative Unit for further investigation. The investigation into this matter is still ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time."
Neighbors, like Sam Dugger, have banded around this family.
"This gentleman is brazenly and illegally taking advantage of an unfortunate situation," Dugger said.
What was the Peterson family's problem is now the problem of an entire street. The neighborhood has been watching the reported squatter's every move to catch any slip-ups.
"The concern is for the potential for more illegal activity because we know the man has a record," Dugger said.
There's not much Brittany can do right now, but she's hoping Gov. Brian Kemp will sign the Georgia Squatter Reform Act on his desk so other families won't have to go through this. This act aims to give property owners more rights to evict people who have illegally taken possession of a home. Georgia Representatives say it could also help get squatters out of a home within three days and pay for rent for the time they spent in the property.
"If that bill would have already been in effect, I think we probably could have taken some action to already remove him," Brittany said.
Brittany appreciates the support.
"He loved this community," Brittany said. "So, we're just trying to protect it."
Brittany said the house is scheduled for auction on May 7.