A handyman in Hollywood claims to have successfully helped remove Adam Fleischman, an Iron Chef winner and former judge, from a woman’s home. However, Fleischman denies any allegations of squatting. In a recent incident in Lee County, Florida, video footage obtained by Digital shows a man, identified as Emmanuel Pierre, who was allegedly squatting in a home and using the owner’s car, looking at other homes before his arrest.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office provided Digital with surveillance footage that supposedly captures Pierre lurking around a Fort Myers residence, attempting to gain access by pulling on the door handle. This video evidence emerged after the homeowner, who was residing out of state, noticed a change in the home’s thermostat. Acting as a private investigator, the homeowner discovered Pierre driving their vehicle and parking it in the garage. Prompt action was taken, and Pierre was subsequently arrested.
The video footage, shared by the sheriff’s office, also shows Pierre casing out a neighboring home before he was discovered to be illegally living in another residence. He can be seen peering into the front doors of the house, checking for unlocked entry points, and eventually sitting outside the home’s front doors.
Following his arrest, Pierre has been charged with burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, and grand theft over $750. The homeowner and neighbors, aware of the situation, blocked the driveway to prevent Pierre from leaving until the authorities arrived. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office described the encounter as a “nightmarish” experience for any homeowner.
Further investigation revealed that Pierre had made himself comfortable in the homeowner’s absence, using their car, cooking in their kitchen, and even connecting a PlayStation device in the bedroom. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office encourages homeowners to utilize their “vacation home checks” service, especially during extended absences. This initiative aims to deter crimes and support residents, as Florida is a popular destination for seasonal and “snowbird” residents.
Lieutenant Todd Olmer of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the longstanding nature of the program, which has been in effect for 15 years. The office’s patrol division and civilian support unit conduct regular checks of properties when owners notify them of their absence. This collaborative effort between law enforcement and property owners acts as a preventive measure against burglary and theft crimes.
Emmanuel Pierre is scheduled to appear in court on November 27 for his alleged offenses.
