Clovis police raided a home occupied by squatters near Nees and Armstrong on Wednesday, arresting two men, John Devaul (left) , 47, of Clovis, and Brandon Gerber, 43, of Fresno, on drug and theft charges as part of an ongoing investigation into fraud, identity theft, and narcotics. (Clovis PD)
- Clovis Police detectives serve search warrant at a home near Nees and Armstrong avenues, uncovering an alleged fraud, ID theft, and narcotics ring.
- Two men were arrested during the raid, with charges ranging from possession of a stolen vehicle to drug-related offenses.
- Granville Realty reported squatters at the home in January, claiming they removed locks, installed their own, and falsely claimed they were renting from DA Real Estate Holdings.
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Clovis police detectives served a search warrant early Wednesday morning at a home filled with squatters near the intersection of Nees and Armstrong avenues, in connection with an ongoing investigation into fraud, identity theft, and narcotics.
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John Devaul, 47, of Clovis, and Brandon Gerber, 43, of Fresno, were arrested, the Clovis Police Department told GV Wire.
Devaul was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and booked into the Fresno County Jail.
Gerber was charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was released.
Realty Company Claims They Are Squatters
Granville Realty, which manages the property, reported discovering squatters at the home on Jan. 17. According to the company, police were called to the property after the squatters claimed to have been renting from DA Real Estate Holdings and were making monthly rent payments.
Neighbors told Granville Realty staff the individuals moved into the residence in late December.
(Disclosure: Granville Realty is owned by Darius Assemi, publisher of GV Wire.)
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Granville Realty stated that their locks on the fence and gate, along with no trespassing signs, were removed by the squatters, who installed their own padlocks.
Police advised the company that the issue was a civil matter.
To regain possession of the property, Granville Realty filed civil proceedings, eventually serving the squatters with a three-day notice to vacate.
The squatters, however, failed to respond. A final service was issued on Feb. 16 after the individuals avoided service, and they were given until March 19 to respond to the eviction notice.
A representative of Granville Realty, was driving by the property Wednesday when he noticed the raid taking place.
Related Story: Fresno Police Arrest 15 for DUI in Weekend Enforcement
Police began investigating the residents after a real estate agent alerted them to possible fraud, including claims that the squatters were attempting to sell the property.
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