Unwelcome Guests: Couple Squats In, Damages Vacant Capital Region Home, Police Say

A couple is facing charges after they were allegedly caught squatting in a vacant home in the region.

Melissa Johnson, age 44, and Jesus Lanauze, age 58, were arrested Sunday, July 23, for allegedly squatting at and damaging a Cobleskill home.
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07/28/2023 10:00 a.m.

Troopers in Schoharie County were called to a home on Route 7 in the town of Cobleskill on Sunday evening, July 23, for a report of trespassers.

An investigation found that Melissa Johnson, age 44, and Jesus Lanauze, age 58, both of Albany, had been living in the home without permission for nearly a week, according to State Police.

The couple is also accused of damaging the home and an outbuilding.

Johnson and Lanauze were arrested at the scene and are each charged with criminal trespass, criminal tampering, and conspiracy.

They were issued appearance tickets to the Cobleskill Town Court on Tuesday, Aug. 15 and were later released.

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