08/16/2026
From late 2023 through the end of 2024, I wrote a Sunday column for Morgantown's Dominion Post, given I was the President of the Morgantown Board of Realtors at that time.
Well, one week, I wrote about squatters, squatters rights and ways to combat squatters. In that particular column, I pointed out that I'm not an attorney and cannot give out legal advice. I also referred to Portland developer and podcaster George McCleary, who was digging deep into the topic of squatters. McCleary talked about laws in various states but also pointed out that some property owners went to extremes to run squatters off their properties. He said some introduced snakes and rats into the properties or in some cases, horrible odors. He also said you shouldn't do that yourself, in order to avoid possible violent confrontations.
Well, fast forward to 2026 and there's a guy known as "Flash Shelton, the Squatter Hunter". He now has a show on "A & E" and has a YouTube channel as well. He started off by simply running off squatters off a property belonging to his mother. That, led to other property owners seeking his help. Now, he's becoming a tv and internet personality.
Below is the column I wrote in 2024. I bring this back now because this topic affects Real Estate Investors and because Flash Shelton is becoming better known. Look up "Flash Shelton, Squatter Hunter" if you're interested in this problem.
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Mountain Ridge Realty
Stephanie Lemley, Broker
