WASHINGTON — A Maryland woman has been convicted after stealing a home, presenting fake documents saying she purchased it and then suing the owners after they tried to evict her.
In 2013, Qiana Johnson broke into a vacant house and moved her family in. When the owners, who now live in California, tried to sell the house, neighbors informed them is was occupied.
“The owners filed a civil suit to have Qiana removed and learned she produced a forged contract and a deed stating she was the owner,” says Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks.
She also produced a fake canceled check for a down payment she never made, Alsobrooks says.
“When all of this was discovered, rather than move out, Ms. Johnson decided to file a civil suit against the rightful owners for trying to have her evicted,” Alsobrooks says.
While on a downturn, Alsobrooks says squatting is the last crime trend to stem from the economic downturn.
“It’s uncommon. It is unfortunately what we’re seeing now is the next phase of taking advantage of families who suffered during the foreclosure crisis,” she says.
Johnson will be sentenced on March 26 and faces up to 69 years in prison.
