Md. squatter convicted of real estate scheme involving 20 foreclosed homes

CHELTENHAM, Md. (WJLA) - A woman has been found guilty of moving into a spacious Cheltenham home that she didn't own as part of an elaborate real estate scheme.

Neighbors had no idea that Qiana Johnson was a squatter until police dragged her out of the home in handcuffs last fall. In fact, they said when Johnson first moved into the home she hosted a neighborhood cookout.

Prince George's County Police said Johnson and a corrupt real estate agent, Shannon Lee, were literally able to steal the house by entering a falsified deed at the county administration building saying they bought it for $150,000.

Lee was convicted back in August for orchestrating the scheme in which the pair targeted more than 20 homes going into foreclosure and forged ownership documents.

Authorities said some of the homes in the county were rented, one was sold and then Johnson ultimately decided to move into the Cheltenham home herself.