Couple arrested for squatting in million-dollar home
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. — A young couple attempted to take over an estate valued over $1 million, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities say the couple, Justin and Jenna Dean, removed and replaced the locks and moved into the home located in the 5700 block of County Road 214.
The couple filed forged documents and a bogus quit claim deed on the foreclosed property, CCSO reported.
Investigators discovered their crime when the bank sold the mansion and 200-plus acres of land lawfully to another couple.
"They were upset because they were coming for a closing and then they had to come meet with us," said Clay County deputy Steven Dugger.
The investigation began in September into the couple's attempt to take over the vacant home unlawfully.
Investigators say the couple boasted about their million-dollar home on Facebook and that helped investigators build their case.
"There were pictures of them in the pool on social media," said Dugger. "The only furniture in the house was a pool table."
Ameris Bank advised investigators that the property was not sold to the Deans and said it was sold to another couple. The home was foreclosed on by Ameris Bank back in August 2011.
According to the Dean's arrest affidavit, the couple spoke to Clay County Sheriff's Office employee, Regina Altman, about the property and even gave Altman a tour of the home. At that time, the couple had keys to gain entry. They told Altman they purchased the home with a bid of $1,000.
Justin Dean's occupation as a farrier apparently raised suspicions about the couple's ability to afford such a high-value home.
"Somebody who puts horseshoes on horses to purchase an over $1 million piece of property ... it's amazing," Dugger said.
In September, the property manager, Ameris Bank, notified Attorney Timothy Kelly's office that the door locks to the home had been replaced with new locks. The property manager removed those locks and had them replaced.Those locks were replaced again and the property manager no longer had access, authorities say.
A deputy was called to the home on Sept. 14 to meet with Jenna and Justin Dean. Jenna showed the deputy a copy of the quit claim deed on her cellphone. She also forwarded a copy to the deputy's email. They told the deputy someone had removed their locks.
The property was sold to another couple on Sept. 24 for $1.1 million. On Sept. 25, Justin Dean sent a copy of their quit claim deed to E-Docs Solutions. The company then forwarded the deed to the Clay County Clerk of Court.
Officials discovered that each Ameris Bank's employee signature was fraudulently obtained and used for the deed. There were additional discrepancies found including the notary's acknowledgement. The document showed a notary stamp of Sept. 1, which was a holiday, Ameris Bank was closed.
The Deans were arrested Dec. 8 and are now out on bond. They could not be reached for comment.