The same thing has happened all over the country.
A soldier who owns a home in Florida:
Squatters Move Into Soldier's Home and Refuse to Leave - Local news, weather, sports Savannah | WSAV On Your Side
I remember reading about others in recent years. People who are down on their luck or simply worthless scammers find vacant homes and move in, as if they own the place. The cops always say there is nothing they can do, but I disagree. If the squatters cannot produce a valid rental agreement or mortgage contract, they should be tossed out on their ears.