Georgia Grand Jury Indicts Five In Foreclosed Home-Hijacking Scam; Racketeering, Forgery, Burglary Among Allegations

In Cobb County, Georgia, WSB-TV Channel 2 reports:

• A Cobb County grand jury indicted five people accused of breaking into soon-to-be foreclosed homes then illegally renting them to unsuspecting tenants. John Harris, the CEO of New Life Granted, and four others were named in the racketeering, forgery and burglary indictments.



• Detectives said the investigation lasted more than four months and involved ten different metro Atlanta counties. They believe there are more than 20 victims in the case, including renters and home owners.



• "These individuals were basically taking over homes in various states of foreclosure and renting them out without the permission of the owners," said Cobb County Police Sgt. Larry White. "It's been a very, very manpower intensive investigation but we're very happy where we are at this point."



• In October, Harris told Channel 2's Craig Lucie that what his company was doing was perfectly legal. "I think it's ethical to do anything legal," Harris said. Police arrested him shortly afterwards. "I can't say that a reasonable person would think that what he was doing was legal," said Sgt. Harris.

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• Harris remains in the Cobb County Jail. A judge ordered him and the others held on $75,000 bond.

For the story, see: Man accused of renting foreclosed homes indicted.