A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly squatting in a home for months and then selling the owner's washing machine and tumble dryer for a fraction of their value. Candice Mackey, 40, faces charges of grand theft and dealing in stolen property following the incident in Summerfield, near Orlando.
The homeowner, Denise Lombardi, told police that Mackey had been living in the property without permission since December. Lombardi explained that her nephew had invited Mackey to stay without informing her. She discovered the squatter during a visit a couple of months ago and issued a notice to vacate by March 31.
Lombardi called police after learning that Mackey had sold the Frigidaire appliances, worth around $1,800 (£1,440), to a neighbour, Pedro Rios, for just $150 (£120). Rios contacted Lombardi after realising the items were stolen and attempted to return them, but Mackey refused to refund his money.
When questioned, Mackey claimed she owned the appliances and had bought them after being released from jail in December. However, she gave inconsistent dates for the purchase and later said she had bought them from a person selling stolen goods from a shed. She could not provide proof of ownership or corroborate her story.
Neighbour Denise Maclean confirmed the appliances had been in the house long before Mackey moved in. Mackey was arrested on March 27 and booked into Marion County Jail on March 29. She was released the same day after posting a $5,000 (£4,000) bond.
