Photo: Marion County Sheriff's Office
Authorities have arrested Candice Meshelle Mackey, 40, for allegedly squatting in a home near The Villages, Florida, and selling the homeowner's appliances. According to an arrest affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff's Department, Mackey was charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property.
The incident came to light when homeowner Denise Lombardi discovered Mackey had been staying in the Summerfield residence without permission and had sold a washer and dryer from the home. A neighbor informed law enforcement that he purchased the appliances from Mackey for $150, believing they belonged to her. However, upon learning the truth, he attempted to return them but was unsuccessful.
Mackey's arrest follows a series of warnings to vacate the property, which she ignored. Lombardi's nephew, who was renting the home, had invited Mackey to stay without the homeowner's consent. Despite a notice to vacate by March 31, Mackey remained in the home.
The appliances, valued at approximately $1,800, were identified by another neighbor as the same set that had been in the home. Mackey provided conflicting accounts of how she acquired the washer and dryer, claiming she bought them from an unidentified person. Unable to prove ownership, Mackey was arrested and later released from Marion County Jail after posting a $5,000 bond.