Second man convicted of felony charges in ‘squatter scheme'
Torrez Moore | Cook County sheriff's office
(SUN TIMES MEDIA WIRE) - A second man involved in a “squatter scheme” of illegally occupying and renting foreclosed properties has been convicted of multiple felony charges.
Torrez Moore, 57, was convicted of theft, financial institution fraud and continuing a financial crimes enterprise after a three-day trial, according to a statement from the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
Moore, along with David Farr and Raymond Tribble, illegally claimed foreclosed or vacant properties as their own to live in and rent out to others, prosecutors said. They unlawfully entered the properties, changed the locks, then filed fraudulent documents with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office to verify their alleged ownership of the buildings.
All three men identify themselves as “Moors,” and are part of an anti-government group known as Sovereign Citizens, prosecutors said. They state that the government does not have jurisdiction over them and that they do not recognize most law enforcement agencies.
The majority of the squatters were aware that their occupancy was unlawful and still refused to leave. Many of the homes were in disrepair and realtors feared going to the properties where numerous “no trespassing” signs were posted, prosecutors said.
The investigation was conducted by the State’s Attorney’s Financial Crimes Unit and CPD’s Financial Crimes Unit with help from a number of other agencies, according to the state’s attorney’s office.
Farr, who is also known as Fahim Ali, was previously convicted of similar charges and is awaiting sentencing, according to the state’s attorney’s office. Tribble’s case is pending.